England
players including captain Steven Gerrard, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana have swapped their garish boots for
shiny shoes to model the Three Lions' official World Cup suits.
Designed
by high street retailer Marks and Spencer, the suits which will be worn
by Roy Hodgson and his players are grey and come with special features
including an embroidered World Cup winners star on the inside envelope
pocket, the England crest on the Autograph label and a red, white and
blue sleeve and pocket lining.
In
an exclusive photoshoot with men's magazine GQ,12 candidates for this
summer's trip to Brazil showed off England's new look, which can be
bought for £199 from stores throughout the country.
Scroll down for video of the boys in their football kits
Dressed to impress: England players (from left
to right) Andros Townsend, Adam Lallana, Jermain Defoe, Leighton Baines,
Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Chris Smalling, Michael
Carrick, Gary Cahill, John Ruddy and Rickie Lambert show off the Three
Lions' Marks and Spencer suits for this summer's World Cup
Looking good: Three Lions stars (from left to
right) Leighton Baines, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole
will all be hoping to wear their new suits in Brazil
Made to measure: Every member of Roy Hodgson's
squad will have a Marks and Spencer Autograph suit fitted to his exact
measurements
Suited and booted: England's players will swap their boots for black Gibson shoes when wearing their suits on World Cup duty
Three Lions: England players (from left to
right) Danny Welbeck, Steven Gerrad, Phil Jones, Adam Johnson, Glen
Johnson, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young, James
Milner, Stewart Downing and Theo Walcott pose with a trio of lions
Travelling party: Roy Hodgson (front row,
centre) poses with his first England tournament squad ahead of the 2012
European Championships in Poland and Ukraine
Along with Gerrard, Leighton Baines and Gary Cahill, each of whom look certain to make Hodgson's 23-man squad, a number of other players whose places appear less secure also took part in the shoot.
Chelsea defender Cole is included, despite fears over his lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho this season and the emergence of Southampton left-back Luke Shaw. Cole has impressed in his recent performances for the Blues, with many tipping the 33-year-old to earn a place because of his vast experience at the highest level.
Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, whose side are on the brink of Premier League relegation, faces serious competition from West Brom's Ben Foster and Celtic's Fraser Forster for a place on the plane alongside Joe Hart, while Jermain Defoe's move to Toronto FC has put his spot in jeopardy.
Saints striker Rickie Lambert has netted 11 Premier League goals for Mauricio Pochettino's side this season, although some pundits believe West Ham forward Andy Carroll would be a better target man should Hodgson require a plan B in South America.
Last time out: Fabio Capello's England squad also wore grey Marks and Spencer suits for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Bad omen? England players (from left to right)
Theo Walcott, Emile Heskey, Matthew Upson, Steven Gerrard, Michael
Carrick, Joleon Lescott, David James, Rob Green, Jermain Defoe, Gareth
Barry, Stewart Downing and Shaun Wright-Phillips wore a grey suit at the
2010 World Cup
Champions: England's World Cup winning squad of
1966, including manager Sir Alf Ramsey (far right) pose for the cameras
wearing their official suits
Happy memories: England's 1966 World Cup winning squad had their official suits for the tournament designed by Burton Menswear
Other players featured who are not yet guaranteed to make Hodgson's squad include Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick, who both failed to hit top form under former manager David Moyes.
Andros Townsend, who was ruled of this summer's showpiece tournament on Thursday due to ankle surgery, is also pictured.
Marks & Spencer were the provider of England’s suits for the World Cup in South Africa four years ago as Fabio Capello’s side crashed out to Germany at the last-16 stage.
On their way: Sven-Goran Eriksson (back row,
left) prepares to board a plane with his England squad to a training
camp in Dubai ahead of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea
All smiles: England manager Bobby Robson (front
row, far right) poses with his squad at an FA reception the night before
flying to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico
Designer gear: Fashion designer Paul Smith
(front row, centre) poses with England's World Cup 1998 squad, who are
wearing his specially-made suits
Baggy trousers: England's squad for the 1990
World Cup prepare to board their plane at Luton airport before flying to
Italy for the showpiece event
Personal service: A tailor (left) helps fit
England players (from left to right) Alf Ramsey, Laurie Scott, Eddie
Baily, Bill Nicholson and Ted Ditchburn with new suits in 1950
The new suits will be made to measure for every player in the squad with Hodgson set to name his 23-man group on May 12, the day after the Premier League season finishes.
‘We are delighted with what has been created for the team and staff to wear,’ Club England managing director Adrian Bevington said.
‘With qualification secured to the World Cup, one of the most exciting parts of planning for the tournament is always the team suit and this has been no exception.
‘The FA and Marks and Spencer have enjoyed a great relationship over six years, and that will continue next summer in Brazil.’
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