Gareth Southgate Ditches Waistcoat Ahead Of England's Euro 2020 Opener Against Croatia
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Fans who have witnessed England's Euro 2020 campaign kicking off against Croatia might be witnessing the beginning of a footballing era, but another has just ended - Gareth Southgate was pictured before the game without his trademark waistcoat.
Yes, the England manager - who has some memories of his own to banish at a European Championship at Wembley - has ditched his signature garment from England's run to the semi-final of the World Cup in Russia back in 2018.
Southgate's waistcoat shot to fame, as well as making Marks & Spencer a heap of money, as fans grew into the tournament alongside Gareth's young team.
Now, they'll all be flocking in their droves to buy normal suit and tie combos to go with their Phil Foden inspired bleached blonde hairdos.
If we're being honest, it all got a bit weird at the last World Cup, the obsession with waistcoats.
Obviously, it's a style classic, worn by wedding guests and football managers alike, and while Southgate might be able to deliver a rousing speech, it remains to be seen whether he is the best man for the job of winning England's first major international tournament since 1966.
They'll have the best possible chance this time around, having managed to blag three group games at Wembley, which would also be the venue for the final, should they make it there.
Well, it'll be the venue for the final whether they do or not, but you get it, right?
Southgate's attire admission didn't go unnoticed by fans watching the game, either.
Southgate regretting the fact he said no more waistcoat. It's scorching :sun_with_face:
- Alison Bender (@alibendertv) June 13, 2021
Anyone else concerned about the lack waistcoat? #ENG #ENGCRO
- Wendy Clarke (@WendyinAsia) June 13, 2021
Tbf I don't blame Southgate for not wearing a waistcoat in this heat...
- Luke 'Pingu' (@LukePingu) June 13, 2021
One person wrote: "Where's the waistcoat? We're doomed."
Another simply said: "Gutted, where's the waistcoat."
However, it hasn't been universally popular with everyone.
"At least he ditched the waistcoat. That was brutal," said one.
England are currently facing Croatia, before rounding out their group stage with games against Scotland and Czechia.
They'll be hoping to get started with a win today, but must also be wary of the threat carried by Croatia, who - let's not forget - did for them in Russia, winning 2-1 after extra time.
Whether or not Southgate's sartorial selections will have any bearing on England's performance has yet to be seen.
It won't. It really won't.
