#theshirt
The domestic season may be over (yes, yes, well done Arsenal for finishing above Spurs yet again) but England midfielder Jack Wilshere was on important duty for his country this week. He popped back to his old school where his hopes and dreams of playing for England first took root. There at The Priory School in Hitchin he put the new England shirt on the back of a school kid, one who reminded him of himself at that age.
Not only was this the first time many of the kids had seen a professional footballer in real life, it was certainly their first chance to steal a glance at the new England home kit. Now sponsored by Nike, the shirt was premiered by Jason Kelly, the unsuspecting schoolboy chosen by Jack. The shot of Jason lit up social media as thousands of fans and players retweeted Jack’s shot. Even Tinie Tempah, Gary Lineker and Andy Peters got involved!
“This is where my dream of playing for England started and it’s great to be back here to see a new generation playing with the same passion," Jack said. "I gave Jason the shirt because his commitment and work-rate really impressed me today. He showed that it’s what you do on the pitch that matters — from your first match as a nine year-old all the way up to the international stage.”
At first glance you’ll see the shirt is stripped back, clean and distinctive, taking it back to its roots in white and blue to celebrate the FA’s 150th anniversary. Upon closer inspection you’ll notice the iconic three lions surrounded by a golden border sitting proud on the chest, next to a World Cup-winning gold star and a gold ‘150 years’ ribbon. Sharp, stylish, innovative and crafted – this is everything Nike has put into making the kit and hopes the players will bring to life on the pitch.
