Dirty TackleNike reveals England World Cup kits containing optical illusions and reference to 'the armor of English knights'
Nike has released both the home and away kits that England will wear at this summer's World Cup and though they look like any other white and red England kits at first glance, they contain subtle touches that might convince fans to buy them anyway.
First, the home kit (pictured above): Nike football global creative director Martin Lotti says the all-white look was inspired by their 1970 World Cup home kit and "the idea of the armor of English Knights. “You can see subtle references to the armor in the pinstripe, which carries a hint of shine, and in the white satin tape on the shoulders," he says. "We wanted to add some small detail that echoed the glow of the armor worn by St. George.” The three lions crest also features a "metallic weave to create another shimmering effect, most noticeable when the crest catches the light." Perhaps this will blind opponents when the Brazilian sun catches it just right.
As for the away kit, the red shirt is a familiar call back to the one worn by the World Cup winning 1966 team, but this version also serves as a Magic Eye puzzle.
"The new England away jersey features a bold red tonal pinstripe design subtly infused with a graphic interpretation of St. George’s cross on the front" Nike says. "The St. George’s cross, representing the English patron saint, is an optical illusion and cannot be seen up close, coming into focus only from a distance."
Up against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D, England might need shimmering armor and optical illusions to give them an edge against their formidable opponents.
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