England 2006 Away Shirt – Authentication Guide
The England 2006 away shirt, released by Umbro ahead of the World Cup in Germany, paid tribute to the iconic red kits of the past—most notably the 1966 final. With its clean layout, thin gold detailing, and central crest and logo, it marked a modern twist on a timeless colourway. This shirt is remembered as the away kit for England’s 2006 World Cup campaign, where it appeared in the final group stage match against Sweden.
Shirt Overview
- Team: England National Team
- Season: 2006
- Type: Away Shirt
- Manufacturer: Umbro
- Main Colours: Red with gold and white detailing
- Competition Use: 2006 FIFA World Cup
- Retail Release: Spring 2006
- Available Versions: Short and long sleeve, replica and player issue
Design Features
- Bright red base with a subtle tonal dotted pattern
- Centralised Umbro logo and England crest
- Gold star above the crest (commemorating 1966)
- Thin gold piping runs along the sides and shoulder seams
- Woven white vertical stripe on the left shoulder (with gold trim)
- “England” woven text inside necktape
- St. George’s Cross flag detail stitched at the rear of the collar
- Replica version includes size label and wash tag on inner hem
Variants and Notes
- Player Issue Shirts: Include mesh ventilation panels, heat-bonded seams, and heat-pressed logos
- Replica Shirts: Slightly heavier fabric, embroidered crest and Umbro logo
- Match Detail: Worn in the 2-2 group game draw vs Sweden and in other warm-up friendlies
- Youth Versions: May feature printed (not stitched) elements
Player Info
| Player | Appearances (2006 WC) |
|---|---|
| Steven Gerrard | 5 |
| David Beckham | 5 |
| Frank Lampard | 5 |
| Joe Cole | 4 |
| Wayne Rooney | 4 |
| Ashley Cole | 5 |
Season Summary
England used this shirt at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to Portugal on penalties. The red shirt was worn in the final group game against Sweden and remains associated with a generation of high-profile players like Beckham, Rooney, Lampard, and Gerrard.
Final Notes
At Shirtchecker.com, we help collectors confirm the authenticity of classic football shirts using visual cues and match-accurate details. The England 2006 away shirt stands out for its centralised layout, red/gold colourway, and nods to national heritage. To verify an original, check for stitched crest quality, the shoulder stripe material, and the correct neck label configuration.
