As World Cup fever hits full throttle in the streets of Rio and waves of anticipation ripple around the world, we thought we’d mark this momentous occasion in true #TedSpirit by unveiling Ted’s World Cup English Gents.
But it’s not all about England – after all, Ted’s always been a globetrotter! We want to know which all-time World Cup stars you’d pick to be in an international team of stand-up (and best-dressed) gents from over the years; Henry, Pele – it’s up to you.
Just tweet @ted_baker the player’s name and country with #TedSpirit and your choice could make the final cut – if you’re picked you’ll win a gift from Ted.
The modern footballer is considered a charmless man; hedonistic and lackluster. But the staunch, chivalrous English player who commands respect both on and off the pitch is alive and well in Ted.
Of all the young men who have worn an England shirt over 84 years of FIFA World Cups, who would earn a sport in Ted’s starting eleven? Furthermore, what would a Ted England team strip look like? We’ll be revealing some alternative World Cup kits over the course of the tournament – and, as always, be sure to expect the unexpected.
From Butcher to Beckham, Ted is proud to present England’s all-time footballing gents.
GK – Peter Shilton
The safest pair of hands to stand between the sticks, Peter Shilton holds the record for playing more games for England than anyone else. With over 1,000 Football League matches under his belt, Shilton has acquired the nerves of steel Ted needs to keep a clean sheet.
LB – Leighton Baines
This will be the first World Cup campaign that Everton’s prolific left-back Leighton Baines will play a part in, and Ted’s convinced he’s going to be an integral part of his team.
CB – Bobby Moore
Captain of England’s World Cup winning ’66 team, Bobby Moore was the first footballer to win the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year title. Pele dubbed Moore ‘the greatest defender I have ever played against’. Bobby demanded nothing less than absolute effort from his team mates – a shining example of #TedSpirit.
CB – Terry Butcher
Forever known as the man who kept heading the ball despite his face being drenched in blood, Ted wouldn’t stand a chance without the bulldog of British centre-backs in his starting eleven.
RB - George Cohen
A man modest to the core, George Cohen was named ‘England’s greatest right-back’ by World Cup winning England manager Alf Ramsey. Cohen was integral to the “Wingless Wonders” ’66 side that pioneered the use of overlapping full-backs in place of the favoured double-wing system – so much so that he seemed played right-back, right-midfield and right-wing all at the same time!
LM – Martin Peters
Renowned for his versatility during his tenure at East London’s West Ham United, Peters is Ted’s most versatile man on the pitch. He earned a place in sporting history for scoring the second of four goals that secured England’s World Cup victory over West Germany in 1966.
DM – Bryan Robson
As a fiercely competitive defensive midfielder, Bryan Robson brought unrivaled ball-winning skills to any side he played in. Ted selects ‘Captain Marvel’ to command his back four and send balls slicing through to the England attack.
AM – Bobby Charlton
A man who needs no introduction, an England Dream Team is incomplete without Sir Bobby Charlton. He didn’t just win a medal in 1966, but also Footballer of the Year, European Footballer of the Year and best player in that year’s World Cup. To this day, Sir Bobby epitomises what it means to be a true English gent.
RM – David Beckham
Immortalised for being England’s most prolific scorer from free-kicks, David Beckham won the hearts and minds of the nation and reinvigorated. Despite an infamous flash of red against Argentina, Beckham has always been a pillar of Ted-like integrity both on and off the field.
ST – Johnny Haynes
Unquestionably the most influential England player of his time, the great Pele said Johnny Haynes was ‘the best passer of the ball I’ve ever seen’. Haynes was known for his innovation in style both on and off the park – he became known as the ‘Brylcreem Boy’, a mantle that would be passed to David Beckham. Haynes spent nearly the entire of his career at Fulham Football Club – a level of devotion that Ted needs in his England side.
ST – Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker is one of football’s hall of fame gentlemen. He didn’t receive a single yellow card throughout his entire career. Second only to Sir Bobby Charlton, Lineker is one of England’s greatest goal-scorers – his clinical finishing would undoubtedly cement Ted’s Gents as World Cup winners!