Blue To Debut
Thursday, 01 September, 2011
New England Away shirt to be worn for the first time this week.
It’s already been seen on boxer David Haye and top dance act Chase & Status over the summer, but on Friday night the new England Away shirt will be worn by the England team in a game for the first time. As they take to the field in Sofia for their vital Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria, Fabio Capello’s men will be sporting the new Umbro strip, and there’s one striking difference you’ll notice – it’s blue.
In recent years, England’s change strips have often been red, but blue isn’t a completely new look for the national side. The first recorded appearance of an England change kit was a royal blue number in 1935, while different shades of blue have also appeared on the national side’s shirts in 1950, 1970, 1986, 1988 and 1992. The current ‘galaxy’ blue is probably the darkest shade to make an appearance though, and there’s a particular reason why it’s been chosen.
The colour of the new kit is actually based on the caps given to players when they represent their country at the highest level, contrasted with the lighter regatta blue of the collar and the shorts taken from within the Three Lions crest. The rich, dark galaxy blue gives the squad a smart, tailored look on the pitch, with a smart, traditional style collar.
The main body of the shirt is crafted from an innovative moisture management fabric to keep players cool on the pitch, whatever the conditions or the atmosphere in the ground! There’s also technical innovation in the arms as well, with the shirt boasting a 360 degree pivot armhole to offer complete movement to the wearer, whether you’re running down the wing or raising your arms in celebration.
The new shirt is sure to make a mark on Friday night in Bulgaria, as the team wear it with pride inside the Vasil Levski stadium in their vital fixture. If you want to wear the colours as well, the new kit is available to buy now. Find out more at the Umbro website.