There is no doubt about it, football is by far the most popular sport in the UK, and the percentage of adults who watch the Premier League, week after week, is rising year after year. And the reasons for this are quite obvious. Of course, football is England’s most popular sport, as the origins of the beautiful game started right here, on English soil. The rules of modern football were codified in 1863, and the first football club ever recorded was Sheffield F.C., which joined the FA in the same year. So, historically speaking, football in the UK has had more than 160 years to establish itself as the most important sport in the British Isles.
For most of us, it is more than a game, it is a symbol of national pride, a quintessential British activity, and a sporting competition synonymous with tradition. Plus, our country is home to some of the most well-established football institutions on the planet. Yes, we invented the game and the Brazilians made it aesthetically pleasing. But there is no denying it. Our country is home to the most competitive football league in the world, and clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool have reached a legendary status thanks to their long history and the absolutely wild fanbase that supports them.
Each English town, whether big or small, is associated with a local club, or with a memorable win that’s still ingrained in the memory of those people who witnessed the heyday of the beautiful game. And that’s why nostalgia is so deeply ingrained in the modern game. Do you remember the moments spent in the company of your dad watching the national team compete in the World Cup? Do you want to relieve those moments? Then, why not invest in an England shirt?
Why Go for an England Top, Exactly?
Well, why not? Every small community in England has some sort of rivalry with other towns, and you can get ten people in the same room together and each one of them will probably support a different club. Sure, ever since the launch of the Premier League in 1992, club rivalries have subsided, at least compared to the absolute mayhem that characterized UK club football in the 70s and 80s. That said, rivalries are still there, and there are neighborhoods, in some towns, in which wearing the wrong team’s shirt could be equivalent to a really bad time. Do you know, however, who we all support, no matter which club we’re fond of or what town we live in? The national team.
Going for a replica of an England shirt is not only a wise and practical decision, but it is above all else an action that stems from a sentiment of national passion. Yes, we haven’t won a World Cup in almost 60 years, but we always hope for one and each generation of English players seems to have that something special that will finally break the curse and make British football be king, once again. Going for an England top is simply a way to blend in with a community of people who share the same values as you, pay homage to our country’s footballing heritage, and also invest in a practical purchase that could realistically stay in your family for many years to come.
What Are the Practical Benefits of an England Top?
Realistically, there are too many to count. Even if you go for a replica and not for an officially licensed shirt, the quality of the top will be suitable enough for your day-to-day tasks. Football shirts are made to withstand high-intensity physical activity, and for this reason, they are the perfect durable and breathable choice if you’re looking for a lightweight garment that will be suitable both for informal events in the company of friends as well as for gym or yard work. England top replicas are versatile, can help you blend with crowds during pub crawls with your mates, are really easy to maintain, and are a fantastic conversation starter.
Maybe you don’t really have that much in common with Barry from accounting or with Josh from HR. But you know what unites all of us? The passion we have for the beautiful game, and the national pride we feel when the Lions win a game. More than 50% of adults in the UK watch football regularly, and for men over the age of 40, this percentage is even higher. Chances are, the passion for the national team can be a unifying factor in your small friends group and help you connect with new people, who might eventually become your friends.
What Are the Financial Benefits of an England Shirt Replica?
Well, it’s all about the costs, isn’t it? Replica 1:1 shirts maintain the same level of detail and quality as officially licensed tops, but they are one-third of the price. You’re not exactly keen on paying more than £100 for a sports shirt that you will then realistically not want to wear for day-to-day activities? Then an England top replica will represent a much better purchase. In the end, you will get the same badge, the same logos, and even the same quality level as an authentic shirt, without paying a premium.
It’s funny, in some cases, replicas and officially licensed shirts can even be manufactured in the same factory, with the only difference between them being the place in which they are shipped. Plus, since they are usually under £35, England shirt replicas can realistically be worn for all sorts of daily activities without worrying too much about the wear of your new purchase.
Yes, when you go for an officially licensed kit worth more than £120, you will probably have reservations about using it for gym usage or yardwork. But with an England shirt replica who cares if it gets damaged as long as it’s cheap enough to buy a replacement every couple of months? Not that you will have to. Replica football shirts are durable, they are made of the same materials as officially licensed kits, and in the right conditions, they could stay in your family for years to come.
