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England are participating in their 17th men’s World Cup this summer as they attempt to end six decades of disappointment in North America, and once again, they are donning a fresh kit for the occasion.

Over the years, England’s football attire has evolved dramatically — from the simple, classic shirts of the 1950s to the daring patterns of the 1982 edition and the understated red and blue detailing of the early 2000s.

But which kit holds the greatest historical significance? Which one sparks the strongest sense of nostalgia? And which design fails to impress?

Here’s a ranking and review of every England World Cup kit:

2010, South Africa: A plain and modern design that matched the team’s uninspired performance. England were knocked out by Germany, losing 4-1 in the round of 16 after Frank Lampard’s infamous disallowed goal.

2022, Qatar: The electric blue fade didn’t age well. England exited in the quarter-finals after a 2-1 defeat to France, with Harry Kane missing a crucial penalty.

1970, Mexico: Almost identical to the 1966 kit but adapted with short sleeves for the Mexican climate. Stylish but lacking the same historic resonance. West Germany avenged their earlier loss, beating England 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

2018, Russia: A touch more detail in the trim compared to 2014, but still fairly conservative. England reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Croatia.

2006, Germany: This was arguably England’s best chance at World Cup glory since 1966, and they looked sharp with the St George’s Cross on their shoulders. However, their campaign ended against Portugal on penalties after Wayne Rooney’s red card.

1990, Italy: An undisputed classic. England finished fourth, losing to West Germany on penalties in the semi-finals.

2014, Brazil: Possibly the cleanest and most elegant of England’s modern kits, though it couldn’t inspire results — they finished bottom of their group.

1958, Sweden & 1962, Chile: The collars disappeared, replaced by a sleeker, tighter fit. In Chile, England lost 3-1 to Brazil in the quarter-finals.

2026: A design with more intrigue than recent iterations. Its legacy, however, is yet to be written.

2002, Japan and Korea: The diagonal red stripe was a lovely detail. England’s run ended in the quarter-finals after Ronaldinho’s audacious 40-yard lob over David Seaman sent Brazil through.

1982, Spain: England’s first World Cup kit to feature bold colour elements. Despite going unbeaten in all five matches, they were eliminated in the second group stage, bringing an end to Ron Greenwood’s tenure as manager.

1966, England: The iconic red version takes precedence here, immortalised by England’s World Cup triumph. The high neckline and long sleeves gave the kit a warm, almost velvety appearance befitting their crowning moment.

1950, Brazil & 1954, Switzerland: Both tournaments featured nearly identical designs — a wide collar and large crest on a clean white shirt. Simple and classic. England reached the quarter-finals in Switzerland but were beaten 4-2 by Uruguay.

1986, Mexico: The subtle pinstripes were a stylish touch. England looked good even as Diego Maradona’s brilliance helped Argentina to a quarter-final victory.

1998, France: This edition is forever associated with Michael Owen’s sensational solo goal against Argentina — one of the World Cup’s greatest moments. The journey ended in familiar heartbreak after a penalty shootout defeat in the round of 16.