It's a shot that would likely have been unthinkable in years gone by, the official England World Cup squad picture... without ties!
But whatever traditionalists might think, the young team scored style points with their official outfits in the team photo released on the eve of their departure to Qatar. The chic navy jackets, cream shirts and tailored trousers are made by M&S who have had a longstanding relationship with The FA dating back to 2007 when they became the Official Suit Supplier to the England Men’s Team.
Mirror fashion editor Lauren Goodwin-Grafton says: “This time around the boys have swapped their suits for thoughtfully designed smart-separates that can be worn in a multitude of ways.
"Classic yet refreshingly modern, you’ll find Harrington jackets alongside fit performance blazers and Merino wool polo shirts all in chic tonal shades. Apparently each player personally selected their own look for the photo in a move to add a touch of individuality.”
But although this year’s outfit is pitch perfect, let’s take a look back at what the squad has worn over the years…
1954
In this shot of the England team leaving London Airport bound for Switzerland for the 1954 World Cup Finals they wore double-breasted blazers, ties and loose fitting fifties peg trousers.
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1966
England’s Nobby Stiles and Roger Hunt wore smartly cut World Cup suits, which were made by Leeds’ tailoring company Burtons. This year was a win for style and an almighty win for football fans across the country.
1970
Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Alan Ball all had matching suits, with crisp white shirts and thin ties - but it’s record producer Bill Martin’s frilly shirt and large lapels that really date this snap. The players were celebrating the release of their Mexico World Cup LP - Back Home.
1982
This year the England team’s barnets were all mullets and perms - see Kevin Keegan in the middle - but if you can look past the hairstyles, at Abbey Road Studios the lads were kitted out in relaxed v-neck jerseys in red, white or blue as well as trousers and shiny shoes.
1986
Double-breasted jackets and grey baggy trousers were all the rage in the mid-eighties, with the players wearing striped ties and coiffed hairstyles to meet politicians including the-Education Secretary Kenneth Baker at a reception before flying to Mexico.
1998
These taupe-coloured Paul Smith suits were paired with navy shirts, a look that was widely criticised at the time. They were single breasted and made from viscose linen with a baggy fit. Tony Adams and David Seaman looked smarter in their Strictly sequins!
2002
David Beckham looked every inch the star in the simply cut navy suit, but... the brown shoes? The outfit was made by Burtons, and their style director Wesley Taylor explained that they bucked the trend because “David didn’t want the narrow cut of trouser that’s currently dominating men’s fashion.”
2010
These suits were made by Marks and Spencer in collaboration with bespoke tailor Timothy Everest. England Manager Fabio Capello, who is Italian, was apparently clear what specifications he wanted. They were made from wool fabric from the Alfred Brown Mill in Leeds.
2018
M&S were the official tailors once again, and the team headed to Russia decked out in a navy suit and waistcoat made of pure merino wool, alongside a sky blue shirt and red, white and blue striped tie.
