Umbro Launches New Campaign With Gazza

28 May 2012 | tshego

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Umbro launched its ‘Faces of England’ campaign this weekend, with the unveiling of a giant image of Paul Gascoigne from his playing days, as well as a 30 second TV ad featuring the England great – which debuted ahead of kick off during the ITV1 coverage of Norway vs England on Saturday evening.

Gazza, capped 57 times, last appeared in an England shirt against Belgium in 1998, and now – celebrating his 45th birthday on Sunday – is the first in a series of ‘Faces of England’ from official England kit suppliers Umbro which celebrates icons of England.

Over the coming months, other famous figures that represent English culture will appear on the billboard on Old Street, London.

The England home shirt is inspired by the red and white of the St George’s flag and the striping detail under the collar is a nod to the Umbro jacket worn by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey during England’s 1966 World Cup winning campaign.

Gazza said: ‘It brings a lump to my throat when I think about how proud I am to have played for my country. There’s nothing better than representing England – the buzz of the crowd and feeling the support of the whole country. Wearing the shirt again has brought back many happy memories and seeing myself on display in the capital, being celebrated as an icon of England is truly an honour.’

‘I bumped into Colin Hendry recently and it [the game against Scotland] felt like only yesterday that I left him on the turf at Wembley. We delivered in style that day and I wish the current squad all the best this summer and hope they wear the shirt with pride.’

Trevor Cairns, global chief marketing officer for Umbro, added: ‘Faces of England will celebrate icons of English culture and in Gazza we’ve chosen one of the most entertaining and passionate players this country has ever seen.’

‘The pride which Paul displays when talking about playing for England proves he was the perfect choice. He has quite literally given blood, sweat and tears in the Three Lions shirt and if you’re an England fan, you can ask for nothing more.’