What is England's most iconic retro goalkeeper jersey of all time?
An infinite number of World Cups and European Cups have seen the main goalkeeper's retro jerseys of England parade. However, not all of them became memorable for fans.
A small part of these clothes are football heritage, for very different reasons. Some, such as Gordon Banks' in 1966, are emblematic for symbolizing a World Cup title, while others are remembered for their innovative design, such as David Seaman's in 1996.
There is no shortage of clothing with atypical designs, such as that of David James in 2004. And as proof that not all were synonymous with triumphs, highlights the shirt of Peter Shilton, who witnessed the privileged 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' in the most painful final in England.
One way or another, these retro goalkeeper jerseys from the English national team became part of the annals of the beautiful game. Want to know all its secrets? Don't miss the following lines!
Top 4 most iconic England goalkeeper retro t-shirts in history
Although Tim Flowers, Frank Swift, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton, Ron Springett, Paul Robinson, Nigel Martyn and Joe Hart brilliantly defended England's goal, their outfits have not transcended as one might expect, due to their traditional aesthetics or discreet honours.
Below you will discover the flower and cream of the retro goalkeeper shirts from England most remembered by fans in England. Will you join us?
Gordon Banks and his yellow shirt from 1966
The English are very superstitious. Yellow, for example, is associated with bad luck, and is therefore not the best choice for a goalkeeper's clothing.
However, the English also have a reputation for audacity, which was demonstrated in the World Cup held in the homeland of Queen Victoria. Gordon Banks, England's most iconic goalkeeper, defended the three sticks under Alf Ramsey. And yes, his equipment was completely yellow.
The Three Lions squad included Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan, Bobby Charlton and Ray Wilson, all legends of English football. They reached the final against Germany, which they beat 4-2. This time, the yellow of Gordon Banks' outfit brought good fortune to England.
As for its design, it was a T-shirt with a round neck and long sleeves, with an intense yellow color. The absence of decorative adornments is not surprising, due to the sobriety of the first clothes of the English team.
However, the red dorsal is quite unsightly. It goes without saying that this is a vintage goalkeeper's shirt from England that is probably the most emblematic of all time.
However, Arsenal's historic keeper David Seaman would have much to object to, as would Peter Shilton and David James. Why do their teams deserve to be listed here?
David Seaman and England's most provocative shirt
Another of England's historic goalkeeper shirts features David Seaman, Manchester City's and Arsenal FC's top goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, the fame of his clothing is not due to the titles won, nor to a record of unbeatability, but to a design of the most unusual.
Between 1995 and 1996, the English goalkeeper's attire wore a motley combination of colours and patterns, the main yellow and green stripes standing out, with a second line of purple, black and green stripes crossing over. In its round neck appeared the manufacturer, Umbro, who broke all the molds with a clearly asymmetrical design.
They caused a sensation at the 1996 UEFA European Championship in England, but David Seaman's England did not perform well. The final between the Czech Republic and Germany took place at Wembley Stadium.
Peter Shilton and the T-shirt that witnessed the 'Hand of God'.
But not all England's retro goalkeeper jerseys stood out for their design or World Cup victories, as do Gordon Banks and David Seaman.
The 1986 World Cup, held in Mexico, would witness one of the greatest milestones in the history of this competition: the final between England and Maradona's Argentina.
Although it is not necessary to mention the final result, we must remember the 'Goal of the Century' and the 'Hand of God' with which Maradona beat Peter Shilton, a postero whose history is linked to these epic moments.
Even in defeat, positive conclusions can be drawn. Peter Shilton's clothes have been left for the memory of the English and Argentinean fans.
Although Maradona's feat immortalised England in 1986, Shilton's shirt has no memorable design, to tell the truth. She was sober, following the classic style of English outfits.
On the grey of the shirt and trousers fell vertical dark blue lines, harmonizing with the stripes of the sleeves of the same color. Once again, Umbro signed the English equipment.
David James and his 2004 blue t-shirt
Are there still retro goalkeeper shirts from the English national team for the collection? David James' is not one of the best-sellers in the sector by chance.
It was an atypical outfit for the England goalkeeper, with two predominant colours (blue and white). It had large white stripes on the sleeves, the shorts contrasted with the light blue of the shirt and the socks, also light blue, had fine white lines.
For the entuasiastes of the Three Lions, David James' jersey is a lively reflection of the 2004 UEFA EURO in Portugal. The Portuguese team and David James' team were the favourites to win, but it was Otto Rehhagel's Greece who were crowned champions of this edition.
In view of the above, there is a lot of history behind England's vintage goalkeeper shirt. Each in their own way, Gordon Banks, David Seaman, David James and Peter Shilton became the heritage of this sport thanks to their clothing and the sporting feats they witnessed.