Team England Soccer

48 years after England lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, the success of 1966 still follows the English national team in each ensuing World Cup. It’s a standard, really, that the Three Lions have struggled to reach in recent tournaments, including quarterfinal exits in 2002 and 2006 as well as a thumping, second-round defeat to Germany in 2010. This summer, England will hope for a deeper run under journeyman boss Roy Hodgson, who selected one of the youngest English squads in recent memory—in fact, only six players have featured in a World Cup before.

While the selections of Wayne Rooney—the team’s top scorer in qualifying—Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard won’t take anyone by surprise, Hodgson opted for fresher faces like Everton’s Ross Barkley, Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling, and Southampton’s Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana. In all, the group of young players will likely mark a new generation of English talent, and it will be interesting to see how Hodgson works the familiar midfield duo of Lampard and Gerrard into the mix. Keep an eye on upcoming friendlies against Peru, Ecuador, and Honduras, England’s first taste of serious action since edging Ukraine for the top spot in their qualifying group.

Home and Away Styles

Simplicity and tradition trump all in England’s World Cup kits, which feature bold colors and subtle details like a unique collar on the home top and pinstripes on the away shirt. Take a closer look at both jerseys and additional English apparel within our online store.

Group Stage Schedule

It’s not quite the Group of Death, but England still landed in a tricky group alongside Uruguay, Italy, and Costa Rica. Their matches against the South Americans and the Italians, especially their tasty opener against the Azzurri, should decide Group D’s top spot.

• Saturday, June 14 — England vs. Italy, 5:30 p.m. ET — ESPN
• Thursday, June 19 — Uruguay vs. England, 2:30 p.m. ET — ESPN
• Tuesday, June 24 — Costa Rica vs. England, 11:30 a.m. ET — ESPN2

New York City Spot

There’s a bevy of British-styled pubs in all five boroughs, but we suggest heading to Greenwich Village’s The Red Lion, Ditmas Park’s Highbury Pub, or Bed-Stuy’s The Black Swan. All three establishments offer decidedly-English menus and should be buzzing for the Three Lions’ opener against Italy.

Closing Thoughts

Despite his young selections, Hodgson’s inexperienced team could be the breath of fresh air the Three Lions truly need for a deep run in Brazil. There’s plenty of talent in each area of the pitch, but England’s success will likely come down to the midfield’s ability to produce chances and Rooney and Daniel Sturridge’s ability to finish them off. Either way, we’re excited to catch a glimpse of England’s future, whether or not they make it out of a difficult Group D.