The preparations for the World Cup Finals rarely change. Keeping an eye out for the sticker albums and making sure you’ve got enough to fill it. The wallcharts that will help you monitor the tournament. Planning those all-important barbecues and nights in the pub watching the game along friends and family - although any outdoor viewing may be limited as we prepare for the first ever winter finals.
Of course, another key aspect of the buildup is the release of those all-important England kits as we wait to see how the Three Lions will look throughout the tournament. It’s safe to say their have been some iconic home, away and third kits worn by England heroes during the years and we thought it would be ideal preparation for this year’s World Cup Finals in Qatar by looking back at some of the best kits worn by the likes of Bobby Moore, Gary Lineker and David Beckham in tournaments gone by.
This is our ranking of England’s top ten World Cup kits, from bottom to top:
5. 2002 (Japan and South Korea)
Sven’s England avenged their 1998 exit at the hands of Argentina, saw off Nigeria, but could not find their way past eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-final. Something a little different from Umbro on the kit made it stand out from the normal England home shirts. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. 1982 (Spain)
Not the most memorable tournament for England as they suffered a second group stage defeat. A goalless draw against hosts Spain cost them a chance to progress into the semi-finals. This Admiral kit was a fine piece of work so at least they looked good in their failure. | Hulton Archive Photo: Getty Images
7. 1986 (Mexico)
An unexpected run to the quarter-final where genius and controversy in equal measures saw England beaten by Diego Maradona’s Argentina. Bobby Robson’s side grew into the tournament with Gary Lineker ending as top goalscorer. A clean and net effort from Umbro with the kit too. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. 1990 (Italy)
Yes, we’ve cheated because it was never worn at a World Cup Finals. But it was England’s third choice kit in Italy and just look at it. It’s a word of beauty from Umbro. It’s in the list and it absolutely has to be. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images