England started their World Cup campaign with a fantastic win on Tuesday, beginning their quest to lift the trophy for the first time in 60 years. As Thomas Tuchel’s squad takes our hopes and dreams to the world stage, a new generation of England fans are proudly sporting the latest Nike kit. Yet, a football shirt is far more than just sportswear – it's a reminder of our collective hope, heartbreak, and history.
Ever since Sir Alf Ramsey’s legendary side triumphed in those iconic, long-sleeved red jerseys back in 1966, England’s World Cup kit has charted the evolution of the beautiful game. From the classic, collared, oversized Umbro shirts of Italia ’90 to the aesthetic experiments of the early 2000s, each distinct strip tells the unique story of a summer that captured the nation's attention.
The 1966 Triumph and the 1970s
The classic white England kit that saw them lift the World Cup in 1966 remains arguably the most famous. However, the red away kit worn in the final is equally iconic. In Mexico 1970, Germany got their revenge, beating England 3-2 in the quarter-final. Francis Lee sported the classic red away kit in that match. The team also wore their full white kit during a World Cup warm-up game in May 1970, a 2-0 win over Ecuador.
The 1980s: Admiral and the Hand of God
Spain 1982 saw the England team kitted out in splendid Admiral strips. Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence, and Phil Thompson sported what is arguably one of the most iconic World Cup strips. In Mexico 1986, the team lined up for a picture prior to the quarter-finals defeat by Argentina, the infamous game where England were defeated by Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal. Gary Lineker was in action during the group match against Portugal, and later celebrated with Peter Beardsley after a 3-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16.
Italia 90 and the Gazza Era
Italia 1990 featured the classic Umbro shirts, worn by Paul Gascoigne, Terry Butcher, Gary Lineker, and Paul Parker. The semi-final against West Germany in Turin is remembered for Gazza's tears and the iconic kit.
The 1998 and 2002 Campaigns
France 1998 saw the England team shot before the Round of 16 match against Argentina. David Beckham was about to take a free kick during the group game against Colombia, and Michael Owen celebrated with Beckham after scoring against Romania, though England lost 2-1. In Japan and South Korea 2002, the team photo was taken before a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Beckham sported both the white and red away kits during the tournament.
2006 to 2014: From Germany to Brazil
Germany 2006 featured a team photo before the Round of 16 match against Ecuador, with players including Paul Robinson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Wayne Rooney. The red away kit was worn in the group match against Sweden. In South Africa 2010, a dejected Frank Lampard and Rooney restarted the match after the controversial goal that crossed the line against Germany. Rooney also showed frustration during the group match against the USA. Brazil 2014 saw the team line up against Italy in Manaus, and Rooney celebrated his first goal in the tournament against Uruguay.
2018 and 2022: Recent Glory
Russia 2018 saw England pose for a team photo before the semi-final against Croatia. Kieran Trippier celebrated with Kyle Walker after scoring in that match. The red away kit was worn in the quarter-final against Sweden. Harry Kane celebrated after scoring against Tunisia. In Qatar 2022, the team picture was taken before the group match against Wales. Bukayo Saka celebrated after scoring against Iran, and Callum Wilson, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish wore the blue away kit before the Round of 16 match against Senegal.
The 2026 Tournament
Canada, Mexico, and the United States 2026: Harry Kane leads his team out during the group match against Croatia at Dallas Stadium. Marcus Rashford is also seen in action during that match.
To celebrate England's charge to end 60 years of hurt, we've put together a photo gallery of the classic England World Cup kits since 1966. And if you're wondering where the kits from 1974, 1978, and 1994 are, they were the three occasions England failed to qualify for the finals.
