Ahead of Euro 2016, Michael Barbaro ranks the competing 24 nations’ home kits.
Did we get our rankings right? What do you think?
- Romania
A simple and bland yellow kit which would leave Romanian fans and players disappointed.
- Iceland
Errea had the potential to create something special for Iceland, but the strange collar does not help the already unpleasant design.
- England
Unappealing and bland. The lighter shades of blue on the sleeves was an unnecessary addition.
Euro 2016 – England’s long list of injury woes
- Germany
Much expectation was on Adidas for the world champions. Germany’s kit is rather drab without the traditional striped sleeves.
Euro 2016 – Germany star player – Thomas Muller
- Ukraine
The awkward cross-hatching on this kit proves that simple would have been better for Adidas.
- Czech Republic
The southward chevrons are the highlight of this kit. The Czech logo would have looked better on the side, however.
Euro 2016 – Czech Republic team preview
- Slovakia
A little too simple for Puma – expected more especially as this is Slovakia’s first ever European championship.
- Switzerland
The red hoops on this show an improvement on Puma’s behalf, although still rather plain.
- Republic of Ireland
The decision to add a sponsor is odd, although it is a nice kit. However, the orange and white collar seems out of place.
- Italy
Rather lacklustre for Gli Azzurri. the pinstripes and collar are both rather unattractive.
- Hungary
Containing the Hungarian national football team’s famous colours of red, white and green, this shirt is simple yet attractive.
- Austria
Rather impressive, the Austrian flag at the bottom of the sleeves along with the texture of the kit sees an improvement from Puma.
- Wales
A traditional and simple Adidas design. The Welshmen have the white stripes on their shoulders on an otherwise standard kit. Simple proved to be better for this piece.
- Sweden
A yellow kit with a blue outline on another simple but effective Adidas kit. The position of the light blue stripes adapts to the new Adidas style.
- Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s exquisite kit for their maiden Euro campaign contains a green structure with dark blue sleeves. There are also white stripes on their shoulders.
- Spain
The reigning champions go into their championship defence without the traditional yellow striped sleeves. A triangle print design allows La Roja to defend their European crown in style.
- Turkey
Predominantly red in colour, a black geometrical pattern takes inspiration from Turkish architecture. As the kit fades to black at the bottom, the black shorts and socks give Turkey a great look.
- Albania
The Albanians go into their first-ever international tournament in style with stripes inspired by their flag on the front. Ti Shqipёri mё jep nder is written on the back of the neck – translating to “Albania gives me honour.”
- Russia
A burgundy strip with a golden trim along the sleeve cuffs. Adidas have given the Russians the golden stripes along the sides with their federation’s badge imprinted over the shirt.
- Poland
Nike’s immaculate Poland kit is an all white number with a unique and diagonal pattern fading out to the base of the shirt. A red stripe races down the sides of the kit.
- France
The captivating French shirt uses the traditional royal blue. A v-collar and dark blue sleeve gives the hosts a fantastic look, with a kit which will leave their fans in awe.
- Portugal
The Portuguese will appear in spectacular fashion in France. Employing a much lighter red than in usual years, Nike use the darker shade on the sleeves with a collar involving green.
- Belgium
The red kit contains a black panel on the top, with yellow Adidas stripes along the sides of the shirt. A Belgian flag is placed on the v-collar, in a kit unlucky to miss out on first place.
Euro 2016 – Croatia team preview
- Croatia
Drawing inspiration from their kits during the 1998 World Cup in France, Nike’s new Croatia jersey features a wavy version of their customary chequered shirt. The white shorts and chequered socks finish off a rather spectacular design.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
