UK
Italia 90 shirts owned by mystery England star go up for auction
A collection of football shirts amassed by a mystery England star during the Italia 1990 World Cup is up for sale.
The seven shirts – described as “the magnificent seven” by Hansons Auctioneers – have a guide price of £150,000 to £250,000.
They were exchanged with opposition players competing against England, who were eventually knocked out by West Germany.
Also up for sale is the yellow shirt worn by goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the heart-breaking penalty shootout in the semi-final.
Signed by the England squad, its estimate is £40,000 to £50,000.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “For any diehard England fan, this is an amazing opportunity to own iconic football memorabilia.
“This unique set of retro shirts sweeps us back to a tournament that will stay forever etched in millions of memories.
“It took place before social media and the internet dominated life but its impact was huge.
“These shirts are the magnificent seven – seven shirts from England’s seven games in a tournament which saw England’s heroes inch unbearably close to the final.
Paul Gascoigne crying as he is escorted off the field by team captain Terry Butcher. Pic: AP
“The excitement generated by England’s success captivated the nation, mainly thanks to the impact of rising star Paul Gascoigne.
“Even today, 33 years after the event, many people instantly recall an iconic image of Gascoigne wiping away tears, overcome with emotion.
“It became a defining photo of Italia 1990 symbolising England and Gascoigne’s passion for the game.”
The shirts were worn or match-issued to Andy Townsend, Republic of Ireland; Johannes van’t Schip, Holland; Sader Eid, Egypt; Marc van der Linden, Belgium; Emmanuel Kunde, Cameroon; Klaus Augenthaler, West Germany, and Giuseppe Giannini, Italy.