Source: Daily_Mail
Sportsmail spot on - Leaked pictures of new England kit were the real deal
Under wraps: Sportsmail has seen the new England kit[LNB]England's new strip is all white, tailored, slim-fitting, has a collar and will retail at £50, as revealed on Tuesday.[LNB]Reporter Laura Williamson was today party to an exclusive glimpse of the new home kits Fabio Capello's side will wear for the first time against Slovakia at Wembley on Saturday.[LNB]The new Umbro kit has been shrouded in secrecy and therefore, for legal reasons, we are unable to publish pictures of it. But leaked images earlier this week were entirely accurate.[LNB]'Essentially it looks like a white polo shirt,' said Laura, 'with a stiffer collar, a few buttons, shorter slim-fitting sleeves and a shorter, more tailored design. [LNB]'The new FA crest is large and prominent on the left breast, with a single white star above it, and a red Umbro diamond is on the left. Each player will have his name and number on the back, again in red.[LNB]'The shorts are all white, with a band at the top and a white Three Lions emblem on the left leg, and the socks are white and ribbed.[LNB]'The kit also includes an all-white long-sleeved, ribbed base layer (sorry, 'articulated second skin armour') to be worn underneath the shirt (and to be purchased at additional cost) and an 'Anthem Jacket' - think Roger Federer at Wimbledon and you're not far off.[LNB] Keen interest: Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand[LNB] [LNB]'The jacket is based on a blazer design, with a zip down the middle, zipped pockets and a white England bade on the breast. Again, it's all white.'[LNB]The new kit has taken 14 months to design and has been produced to reflect the new confidence and discipline of the Fabio Capello era, apparently.[LNB]The England boss was involved in design process, as were key England players such as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and David James.[LNB]The goalkeeper's jersey comprises a green round-necked shirt, green shorts and white socks.[LNB]The kit is the mastermind of three designers - Umbro's David Blanch, 'creative consultant' Aitor Throup and Saville Row tailer Charlie Allen.[LNB]It was Allen's task to measure the England squad for their bespoke kits (each player will receive a customised kit, like a hand-made suit). For the general public, the shirts will be sold according to chest size, rather than a generic small, medium or large.[LNB] Blazer squad: Tennis star Federer[LNB]Long arm of the Crouch: Pompey striker needs an extra seven inches[LNB] Allen said: 'The kit's all about shape. It goes in at the waist, it's fitted on the shoulders and collar and there's movement through the arm area. The cut is elegant, but we've gone back to basics.[LNB]'The players have been involved in it from the beginning and they all believe in it.[LNB]'I have to say, Fabio Capello was the most nerve-wracking - really intimidating. He is a general - you just felt like you should jump to attention. He demands respect straight away.'[LNB]Umbro Tailored by England Logo[LNB]Allen said fashion-conscious Manchester United skipper Ferdinand was particularly enthusiastic and Chelsea star Joe Cole was excited about the idea of having an England shirt made just for him.[LNB]The tailor also told how Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch's arms are seven inches longer than those of the average man.[LNB]There was lots of talk about sophistication, discipline, cutting edge clothing technology and style at the launch in Shoreditch, east London, but what England fans will really care about is whether Capello's team can win in their all-white strip and secure a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. [LNB]This kit is supposed to give England players the confidence to perform to the best of their ability and, if they can do that, everyone will be happy.[LNB] PICTURE SPECIAL: As England prepare for a 45th kit since 1966, Sportsmail remembers the best and worst of themThe great England rip-off: 45 shirts in 43 yearsEXCLUSIVE: England are wrong to pick my King, says Tottenham boss RedknappFrom Gazza to the Guvnor: How Euro 96 stars flopped as bossesEngland captain Terry vows to focus on football after Chelsea star is left red-faced by his mum's caution for shoplifting[LNB]
