As publicity stunts go, it had the perfect backdrop: how much easier could it be to mingle incognito with a group of men all wearing identical grey suits than to simply wear the same suit? Last weekend British comedian Simon Brodkin (best known for his alter-ego Lee Nelson) tried it with the England football squad at Luton airport, and loitered awhile before being spotted by captain Steven Gerrard and escorted away.
Was the stunt a comment on the squad’s attire? Opinions on England’s official World Cup suit – the one in which they disembark from aircraft and pose for team portraits – have not been lacking. Created by Marks and Spencer in conjunction with the Football Association, the £199 ensemble is not the designerwear extremely well-paid twentysomethings might choose.
They are perhaps more likely to opt for the Dolce & Gabbana suit that will be worn by the Italian squad, or the Hugo Boss attire chosen for the Germans – although they might be less tempted by South Korea’s more practical choice from menswear brand Galaxy.