The England squad flew out to Portugal earlier this week to begin their World Cup preparations, and for many of the players the opening session in the Algarve provided the first chance to test drive their new World Cup boots.
Providing a glimpse of the on-pitch battle set to kick off in Brazil next month England players contracted to Nike and adidas laced up in the Superfly, Magista and Battle Pack as Roy Hodgson lead a light training session in the Portuguese sun.
Out of the 23-man squad the adidas contingent all wearing the 'Battle Pack' boots was made up of 8 England players, plus standby youngsters John Flanagan and John Stones who have also travelled. They were joined by 13 Nike players as well as Umbro's Joe Hart and Adam Lallana wearing PUMA.
The most interesting spot from the session is the omission of the Nike Magista Obra. Whereas other international players have been training in the mid-cut boots the England players, including Glen Johnson and Ross Barkley have opted for the low-cut Magista Opus.
Liverpool's Raheem Sterling was reppin' the new Superfly and Rickie Lambert, who wore the Nike CTR all through last season joined Steven Gerrard in the Nitrocharge. Yep, everyone was settling into their brand new World Cup boots, everyone apart from Jack Wilshere.
What are your first thoughts of the World Cup boots on pitch, who has got the upper hand so far, Nike or adidas? Let us know what you think in the comments.
