The sight of England players stepping off the plane in Dallas for their opening World Cup match against Croatia wasn't just about the football — it was baby blue Nike tracksuits and slip-on loafers that caught the eye. Gone are the days of stiff three-piece suits: the 2026 squad has embraced a modular, smart-casual look that fashion experts say reflects a broader shift in men's style and the growing influence of athletes as style icons.
At the heart of England's off-pitch wardrobe is a collaboration between the Football Association and Marks & Spencer, featuring 12 mix-and-match pieces in navy and cream — with not a tie in sight. The players accessorise with loafers, which celebrity stylist Alex Longmore compared to Tom Ford and Jimmy Choo boating shoes, calling the look "very modern, Italian chic" and "very of-the-moment." Alongside this, a tie-in with Nike and skateboarding brand Palace produced a pale grey tracksuit worn to a pre-World Cup friendly, with many items selling out within days. The baby blue Nike tracksuits worn on arrival in the US continued the casual, commercial vibe.
“England's 2026 World Cup squad ditched suits for smart-casual and skatewear”
The shift away from formal suits began under previous managers, but this year's collection marks a clear break. Longmore notes that "not many men wear suits unless they're going to a wedding or funeral" and that with more working from home, smart-casual is more relaxed. Stylist Marian Kwei, a Vogue contributor, says the modular look is "designed with players in mind" and pushes "the narrative of individuality and style." She adds that sports athletes have become "visible with brand influencing" and are "content creators in their own right." The looser cut of jackets and trousers also suits athletes' physiques better than traditional suits, which can appear bulky.
For UK readers, this fashion evolution matters because it reflects how English football culture is changing. The team's look is deliberately approachable — the loafers make it "easy" and "friendly," says Kwei — and it taps into the same streetwear and luxury trends that dominate British high streets. It also raises questions about commercialisation: the Palace collaboration sold out almost instantly, showing the power of player-driven brand partnerships. Some social media users complained the look wasn't smart enough, but experts argue it's more realistic for modern men.
Q: Why are England players not wearing suits anymore? The FA's official partner, Marks & Spencer, designed a smart-casual collection without ties to reflect a broader cultural shift away from formalwear. Stylists say suits can look awkward on athletic builds and that the new look is more relatable for men who rarely wear suits today.
Q: Who designed England's World Cup off-field fashion? The main collection is by Marks & Spencer, the FA's official partner, with 12 mix-and-match pieces. There are also tie-ins with Nike and skateboarding brand Palace, whose items sold out quickly. The players wore Palace tracksuits before a friendly and baby blue Nike tracksuits on arrival in Dallas.
Q: What does the England squad's fashion say about the team? Celebrity stylists say the look is "quite commercial," aspirational, and "very modern" — blending luxury with skate culture. It positions players as style influencers and content creators, and makes the team seem more approachable than in the era of formal suits.
What happens next? England play Croatia in their opening World Cup match in Dallas. The off-field fashion will likely continue to be a talking point, especially if the team progresses. Meanwhile, the Palace and Nike collaborations have already demonstrated the commercial pull of the squad's style, suggesting more such partnerships could follow in future tournaments.