As an avid supporter who follows England home and away, I have a collection of original England replica shirts dating back to the early 80s along with modern-day 60s & 70s reissues, writes Steve Nez.
With over twenty home shirts in my collection here are my top five favourites
1980-1983
This was Admiral’s second design which was introduced in 1980 ahead of the European Championships in Italy, the first time England had appeared in the final stages of a major tournamant in a decade. England failed to qualify to the knockout stages even with the likes of Wilkins, Keegan, Brooking & Hoddle wearing the shirt.
The Admiral logos were removed at Euro 1980 because of a ban on advertising. It was retired after the match with Luxembourg on 16 November 1983. A very popular Shirt design with supporters over the years.
1990-1992
This Umbro design was introduced in the run up to the Italia ’90 World Cup (my first ever England home shirt). The trim on the sleeves, collar and shorts of this new shirt was made up of Umbro’s double diamond logo. England’s most successful World Cup since ‘66, players like Lineker, Gascoigne, Barnes, Pearce, Waddle & Platt fell short to West Germany in the semi Finals.
The Shirt was also used in the 1992 European Championships held in Sweden, the first time squad numbers appeared on the front of players’ shirts and, players’ names were printed on the back of their shirts, above the numbers. This kit was last worn after the game against Turkey at Wembley on 18 November 1992.
1995-1996
This shirt was introduced on 3rd June 1995 at Wembley v’s Uruguay and then worn at the Euro ’96 tournament in England. Patches on the sleeves were worn for the first time also, the ‘tournament’ logo along with a ‘Fair play’ logo on either arm. Squad numbers were on the front of shirts as well as shorts, which then became a permanent feature. Another failure in the semi finals to Germany losing on penalties again, this was probably one of the best tournament displays I’d witnessed since Supporting England.
1997-1999
This Shirt made its debut at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier against Italy. The crest had been redesigned with the three lions now appearing in light blue and a miniature flag of St George was added to the collar. This kit was used 22 times all together including the World Cup ‘98 finals in France under manager Glen Hoddle. It last appeared at Wembley 10th February 1999 when France beat England 2-0.
2001-2003
After the disappointments of France ’98 and Euro 2000, England had a new manager Sven Goran Eriksson. This shirt was launched on 28th February at Villa Park in a friendly against Spain, The most memorable games included the World Cup Final qualifier against Greece, when David Beckham salvaged a draw to book England’s place in the World Cup finals and that famous 5-1 win v’s Germany in Munich (even Heskey Scored). This was the first match in which players’ names appeared on the back of their shirts outside of the final stages of a tournament. It was also the first time since 1960 that the name of England’s opponent and the date had appeared on the shirt.
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