This week officially marked the countdown to the 2010 World Cup, with the world’s greatest football competition beginning in a year this week.
England surely have one foot in South Africa after their two convincing wins this week which saw them blast 10 goals without reply against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

So I thought I would mark the occasion by looking at an all-time classic England kit.

Go back 19 years and an under-pressure Bobby Robson took his England side to Italy for the World Cup knowing he needed a decent run in order to save his job.

The kit they wore was designed by Umbro, who had made the England kits since 1982. It was mainly white with a navy collar and a pattern incorporating the Umbro diamond symbol circling both sleeves. The England crest was on the traditional left breast area with the Umbro name and symbol opposite it and red squad numbers on the back.

It was to become an iconic kit, not only due to the player’s performances on the pitch but through the actions of one man.

Paul Gascoigne was one of the most talented players of his generation and the World Cup finally provided him with the stage he craved. He was inspiration in the centre of midfield as he helped his side trough to the semi-finals.

But when he was booked in extra-time of that semi-final against Germany the realisation that he would miss the final should England progress proved too much for young
Gazza, who openly wept at the thought. It would prove to become one of the most iconic images in World football and ensured that the likeable Geordie would become a national hero.

England, of course, would famously lose the semi-final on penalties but Bobby Robson and his men were vindicated and returned home to a rapturous welcome.