'It's very Bond': Fashion experts on the England squad's off-pitch look

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'It's very Bond': Fashion experts on the England squad's off-pitch look37 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLauren TurnerMarks & SpencerAll eyes may be on the pitch when England men's team line up for their opening World Cup game against Croatia in Dallas. But it's their fancy threads, as well as their fancy footwork, that's had people talking – from their official off-duty smart casual look to collaborations with a skateboard brand that's seen designs sell out within days of being launched. Gone are the days when the team would be seen in a traditional three-piece suit.

Instead there is a collection of 12 mix-and-match pieces in navy and cream from Marks and Spencer, the FA's official partner, with not a tie in sight, all accessorised with loafers. A tie-in with Nike and skateboarding brand Palace saw many items sell out on their launch – with the team having worn a pale grey Palace tracksuit to arrive for a pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica. And there were baby blue Nike tracksuits on show as they stepped off their plane on arrival into the US for the tournament.

The Details

What does their current look say about where England – and its fashion – are at? 'Italian chic'Marks & SpencerJordan Pickford, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice pose in Marks and Spencer piecesCelebrity stylist Alex Longmore, who has worked with stars including Vogue Williams, Little Mix and Jamie Laing, said the overall vibe was "quite commercial" and covered "every aspect" of men's clothing. "You've got your smart casual, very Tom Ford, very Bond look – it's relaxed, it's incredibly wearable, it's aspirational.

"I think it's very modern, Italian chic, very of-the-moment. "She compared their slip-ons to boating shoes by Tom Ford and Jimmy Choo. "They're very Upper East Side, Hamptons – it's kind of European, which is an interesting look and obviously very easy to wear and on trend.

"It's not shouting mega-formal, 'we're the England squad and here we are feeling a bit awkward because we're sportsmen'. It's more like luxury, with wool and sports jackets. "As for the fact the team isn't wearing a formal suit, which some on social media complained was not smart enough, Longmore says: "Not many men wear suits unless they're going to a wedding or funeral.

What Experts Say

"And with more working from home, smart-casual is more relaxed now on every level. "Athletes' bodies don't look their best in suits, they can look a bit bulky, so trousers can fall a weird way. This look is moving with the times.

"Marks and Spencer'Individuality and style'Celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei says the modular look, with interchangeable pieces, is "designed with players in mind, but more importantly to push the narrative of individuality and style. "Sports athletes have become visible with brand influencing, they're content creators in their own right," she adds.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.