England debut new Nike kit as Three Lions face Uruguay at Wembley tonight | Football | Sport

England will showcase their new Nike kits tonight when they face Uruguay in a World Cup warm-up friendly. The Three Lions welcome the South American team to Wembley Stadium on Friday (March 27) in the first of two matches during the international break.

It’s here where they will don the new strips for the first time since their unveiling on Monday (March 23). Despite the match taking place at Wembley, England will confront Uruguay wearing their 2026 Away Kit, which includes a traditional red jersey and navy shorts.

England traditionally wear the new away kit in the first friendly of the March break and home kit in the second game. While it also helps to avoid any kit clash with Uruguay during the match.

The new red shirt boasts subtle symbolic imagery inspired by England’s football culture, such as flags and lions woven directly into the fabric. It also features a navy strip on each side, along with white and navy details on the shoulder seam, cuffs and collar.

The England crest is centrally located on the chest, with a gold star symbolising the 1966 World Cup victory, both positioned above Nike’s swoosh. Although viewers of the match won’t see it on the night, the England 2026 Away Shirt also carries the phrase ‘happy and glorious’ printed inside the collar in tribute to the national anthem, God Save the King.

Supporters can also anticipate England’s number one Jordan Pickford debuting the 2026 Goalkeeper Kit should he start on Friday, showcasing a striking blue lion design and star graphic. Similar to the away shirt, it also sports a central badge and Nike swoosh.

During the international break and this summer’s World Cup, the players will be sporting the Match (Authentic) kits, which feature subtle distinctions compared to the Stadium (Replica) versions. Match kits are crafted with more breathable Nike Aero-FIT technology and a tighter fit, while Stadium kits offer a more relaxed fit and standard Dri-FIT technology.

Additionally, the badge logos are heat-pressed on Match strips and embroidered on Stadium. All the new kits are available now at retailers including the Official England Store, Fanatics and Nike.

At the official store, customers can receive free delivery until 11.59pm on Friday with the code ENGFREEDEL. England kit launches frequently attract controversy from supporters and this occasion is no different.

Many took to X following the launch to share their initial impressions, with one branding them ‘phenomenal stuff’. Another said: “The new kits are looking clinical. Ready to see them in action.”

However, England’s new kits have also drawn criticism for their price, as this person said: “Absolutely love these new shirts, but the price these days are absolutely ridiculous.”

Others aren’t keen on the switch from navy to white shorts, as this fan said: “The home kit should always have blue shorts.”

Nevertheless, this commenter said: “Home and away, both of them are lit.” Thomas Tuchel has announced an enlarged 35-man squad for the international break, featuring England regulars Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer, as well as newcomers James Garner and Jason Steele. Among those making a return to the squad are Man United’s Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, in addition to Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke.

There are also some notable absences, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. England vs Uruguay is set to kick off at 7.45pm on March 27, followed by England vs Japan at 7.45pm on March 31, both matches will be broadcast on ITV1.