Friday 30 March 2012

NEWS FROM UMBRO

Flying the flag for England: Umbro reveals new white and red England Home Kit

Manchester, England, February 2012: Taking its lead from the St. George’s flag, the new England Home kit, tailored by Umbro, features a patriotic white and red only design.

In a first for the England Home kit, the Three Lions crest, which has previously featured blue and red, appears entirely in red so the strip is a representation of the St. George’s flag in its purest form.

Launching ahead of this summer’s 2012 European Championships, the new Home kit will be worn by the Senior team for the first time on 29th February when the England team take on Holland at Wembley in front of 90,000 fans. The England U21 team will also play in the new strip on the same night when they take on Belgium U21s at the Riverside Stadium.

A key feature of the kit is the red striping detail inspired by the famous stripes on the Umbro jacket worn by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey during England’s 1966 World Cup winning campaign. The striping features on all elements of the kit [shirt, shorts, and socks] and is prominent on the reverse of the players’ collar and is clearly visible when turned up.

In keeping with Umbro’s football smart approach, the kit features a top button to create a football ‘shirt’ in the truest sense. Finished in brushed cotton, the shirt has a classic, smart aesthetic as well as performance benefits which include keeping the wearer comfortable and dry.

Retaining a classic style edge, the shirt has a shaped drop hem, giving a tailored fit that will sit with the natural posture of the body when standing. True to its tailoring heritage, Umbro continues to provide shirts in chest sizes so that each England fan can experience a tailored fit.

Speaking about the new kit, England striker Darren Bent commented: “The new Home kit is really smart and comfortable and that gives us confidence out on the pitch. All the lads are proud to play for their country and it’s great to wear the white and red of the St. George’s flag. While the fans at the matches wave their England flags, we will be wearing the colours on the pitch.”

The shorts and socks are white and also feature the red striping detail. A red change short will also be available later in the season. As a whole, the kit has been designed to provide maximum performance and movement having been crafted using Umbro’s look smart, play smart ethos.

The new England Home goalkeeper’s kit takes inspiration directly from the centre of the flag with full red colouring and the design details in white. Containing an interlocking pattern of red England crosses it aims to ensure Joe Hart stands out on the pitch.

The goalkeeper shirt sleeve has been constructed using a polyester/elastine blend that creates a tight yet flexible fit and offers maximum compatibility with goalkeeping gloves. Crafted in line with the whole England kit, the goalkeeping kit comes complete with Umbro’s iconic stripe rib and is tailored with a classic football smart look.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart commented: “I like the link the kit has to the St. George’s flag and the new goalie kit compliments the outfield strip whilst still standing out. Representing your country is a great honour for any player so I’m proud to wear the white and red of England.”

The wider on-pitch range includes a white and red Umbro Anthem Jacket, a style made famous by the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey. It will be worn by the team as they walk out onto the pitch and features the same red woven ribbing detail as the Home kit.

The new England Home Kit is available from 29th February from umbro.com and other sport retailers.

For more information visit www.umbro.com/england

-Ends-

Media enquiries:

Frank PR: umbro@frankpr.it / +44 207 693 6999

Chris Dolan, Communications Manager at Umbro: chris_dolan@umbro.com / +44 161 492 2065 / +44 7866 451 703

Catherine Rees, Head of Communications at Umbro: Catherine_rees@umbro.com/ +44 161 492 2005/ +44 7970 205433

Pricing: The short sleeve adult shirt has a RRP of £55 however individual retailers set their own prices.

Umbro International Ltd.

Umbro International Ltd., a subsidiary of NIKE, Inc., is a leading United Kingdom based football brand that has been a pioneer of sports tailoring for 88 years. The first England football kit tailored by Umbro was developed in 1952. The 1966 World Cup winning team wore Umbro throughout the tournament. Today, the company combines its heritage in sports tailoring with modern football insight to create iconic football apparel, footwear and equipment that blends performance and style off and on the pitch. www.umbro.com

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