How one company is helping England fans stay warm this World Cup – and tackle the cost of living crisis
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A CLOTHING company has come up with a novel way to help England fans watch the World Cup in pubs - without freezing in their Three Lions shirts.
The tournament is kicking off today in Qatar as the host nation takes on Ecuador at 4pm amid a wave of controversy.
The decision to host the World Cup in the Middle East means its start date had to be pushed back until November so players wouldn't melt in the blistering summer temperatures.
England are kicking off their campaign tomorrow in a balmy 27C heat against Iran.
But fans stuck over here have been left wondering how to watch the game and still stay warm - especially with rain predicted for the afternoon.
The Three Lions army has previously packed out boozers in the summer sunshine in their short-sleeved England tops.
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One company has now come up with a way to help keep fans warm while still showing their support for England.
Firm has made a range of knitted jumpers that are perfect for beating the chill.
There are four jumpers to choose from that are modelled on England shirts from the past.
Each features the Three Lions emblem - with one 90s retro jumper complete with a collar.
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Those wanting to channel their inner Gareth Southgate can even snap up a festive knit with a waistcoast motif.
Fans of Harry Kane can become their own skipper if they buy a jumper that includes a captain's armband.
The company donates 50 per cent of its profits to charities that help vulnerable Brits cope with the cost of living crisis.
Half of money made from the England offerings also goes to grassroots football organisations.
It comes amid fears already-struggling pubs would be left deserted as fans decide to watch the games at home.
Some boozers have attempted to create a summer beer garden atmosphere to attract supporters.
A survey of almost 5,000 landlords by the British Beer and Pub Association found they expect takings to be 10 per cent lower than during a summer tournament.
GlobalData also predicted sportswear sales will be nearly 50 per cent as supporters can't show their kits off under jumpers and coats.
Matt Clarke, Co-Founder at notjust clothing said: "The World Cup is kicking off at the most wonderful time of the year. However we know this causes a few issues for Three Lions fans who are more used to wearing vintage replica footy shirts or even going fully topless whilst soaking up the summer sunshine (2018 was great wasn't it!)
“So we’ve come up with a solution to not only keep England fans looking super slick and stylish during the Winter World Cup, but also to keep them toasty in their homes or down the pub whilst they watch the men’s squad bring it home, just like our Lionesses did earlier this year!
"We also know that the cost of living crisis is having an impact on everyone's lives, so we’re hoping that our winter football knits can at least go a small way in helping people enjoy the games fully kitted up with some added warmth.
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“Our collection of unisex premium quality England Christmas Jumpers are designed and produced in the UK to help the local economy and are inspired by iconic England shirts and for one final year the famous Gareth Southgate Waistcoat jumper that took the nation by storm in 2018.
"And not only that, we’ll also be donating 50% of profits to grass roots football organisations and so you can feel good about giving back whilst staying warm in your winter football kit knit!”
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