The 2022 World Cup has finally arrived, and England have once again taken to the pitch in their trademark white home strip - but many people are only just realising how the choice of colour came about in the first place.
The Three Lions' identity changed forever after a contest with rivalling Scotland way back in 1872 - in which their opponents sported a full navy blue outfit on the pitch.
The Scots opted for navy as they had all played in the same strip for Queen's Park at the time, meaning that England needed a fresh wardrobe to avoid kit clashing, as well as having a unique identity to call their own.
Read more: World Cup fan zone announced in Newcastle with ex-Newcastle United stars set to mix with fans
The Daily Star reports that it has in-fact been hypothesised that the FA supplied the white kit, because they were either spare cricket tops - or just simply the best alternative to the Scotland strip. And although it didn't immediately become tradition - with England players sporting nine different club kits with badges simply sewn on - they were eventually pushed by the press to revert to white in 1897.
A set of collared white shirts were purchased from Messrs Gann, Root & Co, with only the shorts and socks of their respective clubs then worn. The suggestion of a full kit came after pressure from the press in 1882, with navy blue shorts and white socks being brought in - and kept throughout in the main.
White shirts, navy shorts and white socks were adapted to a full white design back in 2009, with red shorts then worn in 2012 to match the shirt trimmings. With the initial white shirts coming from a connection to cricket and to not clash with Scotland - navy shorts were a potential differentiation to Germany.
The current white shirt with blue shoulders was announced back in September ahead of Gareth Southgate's trip to Qatar, with a traditional red away shirt.
England said at the time: "Nike’s design team took inspiration from the bold, energetic spirit of the young group of England players who are not afraid to express themselves both on and off the pitch. They were also inspired by their cohesive teamwork, togetherness, and movement.
"This identity inspired Nike’s design team to bring a new attitude and aesthetic to the England National Team collection that speaks to the stalwart spirit and collective energy of the young Lions."
Read next:
- Newcastle star Joelinton's countdown to finding if World Cup dream comes true
- Bruno Guimaraes makes promise to Newcastle supporters as he addresses Real Madrid transfer talk
- Alan Shearer backs calls for major rule change after incident in Newcastle United win
- 'Deathly silent' - Everything changes at Newcastle as players get emotional at training ground
- Callum Wilson handed World Cup boost with Newcastle chiefs hopeful of England selection
