It’s been a tough few weeks without the Premier League, but finally football’s coming home.
No, we don’t mean the games are starting again, but you can re-watch the whole of Euro ‘96 on ITV on 11 May.
If you’re not quite prepared for the heartache all over again, then at least watch it to remind yourself of those retro kits.
We’ve rated all 16 teams for their nineties style – and David Seaman’s because it’s too good to ignore.
BULGARIA
Red and green should never be seen, unless you’re wearing Bulgaria’s ‘96 kit.
The chevron style design on the sleeves and shorts make quite the style statement, but the colour combo does look like they should be heading to a shift at Papa John’s pizza.
Verdict: 5/10
CROATIA
The chequerboard design all over the shirt must have been used as a tactic to make the opposition dizzy.
This is a shirt more likely to be seen at the 3.25 at Aintree.
Verdict: 4/10
CZECH REPUBLIC
A smart kit made for a final? Czech!
It’s clean and crisp with pristine white shorts with a cheeky stripe design on the sleeves that gives just the right amount of detail.
The font for the numbers does look like a child helped out, though.
Verdict: 7/10
DENMARK
What is that odd black band around the top of the shorts? Is it the players pants peeking through? Or has he added a belt? No, it is actually intentional.
The Laud(rup) chevrons on the sleeves, shorts and socks don’t make up for the mental waistband.
Verdict: 2/10
ENGLAND – GREY
There is no reason to have a grey kit. It’s like the England kit designer used the whole colour palette on Seaman’s shirt (see below), was only left with a dull slate and thought “that will do”.
It’s going to be painful to watch the semi-final again, but even worse when you realise there’s 50 shades of grey on the pitch, but only one shade of Southgate’s tears.
Verdict: 3/10
ENGLAND – SEAMAN’S GOALKEEPER KIT
There is only one word that can accurately describe David Seaman’s Euro 96 kit and that is ICONIC.
The bright block colours, the strange positioning of the words and logo, the ‘tache on the man himself.
It’s enough to give any penalty taker a headache… apart from the Germans.
Verdict: 10/10
ENGLAND – WHITE
Now this is more like it. White is a neutral and never goes out of style. Paired with navy, it’s a kit that Pearce’s through the trends and stands the test of time.
Verdict: 8/10
FRANCE
There’s no denying it, the French have style.
The asymmetric diamond design on opposing sides of the shirt and shorts gives the whole look a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi.
Verdict: 9/10
ITALY
The Italians were going for gold if the trimming on their teal coloured kit is anything to go by.
Oh Mamma Mia! It’s a shame they didn’t make it out of the group when they looked so good.
It’s a kit that will go down as a pizza history.
Verdict: 9/10
GERMANY
It’s difficult not to see the German kit as aggressive with the black shorts, white top and flashes of burning yellow and red.
Opting for no collar, the stars over the logo are a nice touch, but the kit brings back too many heartbreaking memories. So we’re giving them a one-point penalty in the marks.
Verdict: 6/10
THE NETHERLANDS
It’s hard not to smile when the bright orange kit turns up.
But the odd photo in the background of the shirt makes it look like it’s stained.
We can’t pretend we’re in (Berg)Kamp Holland for this kit.
Verdict: 6/10
PORTUGAL
Colour blocking to the max, the Portugal kit certainly puts them on the Euros’ map.
But it might have been nice to have a bit of neutral white to break it up a bit – this could have Costa them a goal in the quarters.
Verdict: 6/10
ROMANIA
Well this is quite in your face, isn’t it?
Bright yellow from top to toe with bold stripes at the shoulders, it feels like it could be the background for a nineties kids TV show.
Verdict: 5/10
RUSSIA
Red socks are a real trend right now so Russia get an extra point for the footwear.
It’s a bit of a nondescript kit in general, like their performance at the Euros.
Verdict: 6/10
SPAIN
This is a kit ahead of its time.
The on-trend Grandad collar with the block design is very 2020 – and the burnt orange lines show they earned their football fashion stripes.
But it must have been Spain-ful when they couldn’t wear it after the quarter-finals.
Verdict: 9/10
SCOTLAND
Check out the fashion flair on this kit.
The teal tartan design means there’s no mistaking the heritage of this team, it’s just a shame the performance in the tournament won’t go down in history.
Verdict: 8/10
SWITZERLAND
The Swiss opted for a fancy ombre effect to their Euro ‘96 shirt.
We see what they’re trying to do but it falls a bit flat. We’re stuck in neutral with the verdict for this one.
Verdict: 4/10
TURKEY
Turkey set out to paint the town red with their kit, but they were left on red alert.
The bold colour with white stripes certainly makes them stand out, but those sleeves look oddly flared.
Verdict: 6/10
Joely Chilcott is the Fabulous Daily Editor at The Sun
