Images of England’s reported away strip for the 2026 World Cup have surfaced online, revealing a striking all-red design that harks back to classic Three Lions aesthetics.
The leaked photographs, published by Footy Headlines, showcase a kit featuring navy trim and white detailing, with the England badge positioned centrally on the chest.
This centralised crest placement represents a significant departure from recent designs, where the badge has typically sat over the heart.
The apparent return to a more traditional look comes after considerable criticism of the controversial St George’s Cross design worn during the 2024 European Championships.
Perhaps most notably, the kit features a golden star positioned above the Three Lions crest, commemorating England’s 1966 World Cup triumph.
This marks the first occasion in 13 years that the star has appeared in gold on an England shirt.
Previous iterations of the kit displayed the symbolic star in either white or silver tones.
Images of England’s reported away strip for the 2026 World Cup have surfaced online, revealing a striking all-red design that harks back to classic Three Lions aesthetics
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GETTY
The golden embellishment adds particular significance as the nation prepares to celebrate a landmark anniversary this year.
Sir Geoff Hurst’s Jules Rimet-winning squad achieved their historic victory six decades ago, making the return of the gold star a fitting tribute to that momentous occasion.
England’s leaked away shirt for the next World Cup
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FOOTYHEADLINES
The design philosophy appears to represent a deliberate shift towards understated elegance following the backlash surrounding the 2024 Euros strip, which drew criticism for its coloured interpretation of the St George’s flag that some labelled “woke”.
Closer inspection of the leaked images reveals an intricate jacquard pattern subtly woven throughout the fabric, incorporating motifs of lions and stars.
The last time England sported a centralised badge on their away shirt was back in 2008, during the Umbro era.
At that tournament, the Three Lions wore a navy away kit with the crest positioned over the heart rather than centrally.
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Nike has manufactured England’s tournament kits since 2014, making the upcoming World Cup their fourth major competition with the Three Lions.
The American sportswear giant’s contract extends beyond this summer, with the brand set to design England’s strips for the 2030 World Cup as well.
When the tournament kicks off next summer, England will face Croatia in their opening fixture, followed by group stage encounters with Ghana and Panama.
Supporters who have witnessed the national side reach two major finals since 2020 will be hoping the return of the red away strip brings fortune at football’s premier global competition.
