Stitch By Stitch: Umbro's England Archive Collection
As the curtains close on the era of the double diamond, for nostalgic purposes we've collected some of Umbro's finest reissue archive pieces to celebrate their most famous England shirts over the past 50 years. All classic items from the Umbro archive, recreated stitch-by-stitch to celebrate their iconic status.
From Bobby Moore to David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne to Wayne Rooney. Legends of the Three Lions history now form iconic snap-shots of Umbro's reign as official partner to the English Football Association. In Umbro's witty - and rather bitter - own words, "For over 50 years, we just did it". Now though, the era of the swoosh has arrived.
When England's current crop of first team players pull on their Umbro jerseys in the Three Lions World Cup qualifier against Montenegro, it will be for the last time. A relationship which dates back to the 1950s and has played a part in some of the most iconic images of recent decades will come to an end in Podgorica. Following that Nike will take over tailoring duties, unveiling their debut England kit on St. Georges Day - April 23rd.
Umbro's reissue shirts give us another chance to remember some of their most famous pieces. Glory moments from Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966, to Michael Owen scoring that goal past Argentina in 98. Who can forget Beckham's free-kick against Greece at Old Trafford in 2001. Every shirt was decorated by Umbro. 
Of course, despite being a major international team, Umbro and England haven't enjoyed much success. Generations of nearly-men have seen England lift only the 1966 World Cup in an Umbro shirt. Years of anguish have followed, bringing some fans to welcome the change in kit manufacturer. Nike wont be able to guarantee on pitch success. But for many suffering England fans, any change is a welcome one.
Will England regain their mojo with Nike? Only time will tell. For now, we salute Umbro for a memorable era. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
