Gareth Southgate’s waistcoat snub explained – where is iconic fit now?

England fans preview World Cup last 16 tie against Senegal

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Gareth Southgate has ditched his iconic three-piece suit at this year’s World Cup, with the England boss no longer seen pacing up and down the touchline in his traditional waistcoat. The 52-year-old has managed to lead the Three Lions into the knockout stages in Qatar after two wins and a draw in the group stages, with Senegal up next in the round of 16 on Sunday.

Southgate’s waistcoat earned cult status during the World Cup in Russia four years ago, where England made it to the semi-finals before losing at the hands of Croatia. However, he has decided to swap the iconic outfit for a new look this time around as he looks to become the first England manager to win a major international trophy since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966.

The former Middlesbrough boss has kept the slick combination of a navy blazer and navy trousers but has changed the waistcoat for something more on-trend in the form of an M&S knitted zip neck polo. The top is available to buy for just £39.50 and marks a departure from Southgate’s previous style, which he has not returned to since England’s run to the last four in Russia.

The smart polo neck worn by Southgate in Qatar forms part of the ENGLAND X M&S collection that was released prior to the start of the World Cup, which got underway earlier this month. It seems plausible that Southgate may be wearing the brand’s clothing as part of a sponsorship deal between M&S and the FA, with the entire squad posing in similar items from the collection for their official team photo before jetting out to the tournament.

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Southgate switched to a more traditional two-piece suit with a polka dot tie at Euro 2020 last year and insisted before the tournament that he was done with the waistcoat in spite of its popularity among England supporters. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It was a lovely moment to have that connection with the public.

“I haven’t worn a waistcoat on its own since… I don’t think I’ll be wearing a waistcoat this summer.”

The original waistcoat that Southgate wore in Russia now has a new home, with the garment on display at the National Football Museum in Manchester where fans can walk by and see it in the flesh. The England boss will not be thinking about his attire when Senegal’s crucial match against the Three Lions kicks off on Sunday, though, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals up for grabs if his side manage to claim the spoils.

Senegal have been without injured star player Sadio Mane for the duration of the tournament but Southgate is still expecting the Lions of Teranga to provide the sternest of tests for his England players when they battle it out at the Al Bayt Stadium. He told reporters earlier this week: “We know on the rankings we will be favourites – we’ve got to deal with that – but they’re a very dangerous team.

“The first objective is achieved. To this point we’re really pleased. The big business starts now.”

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