As the nation puts Gareth Southgate on a pedestal, Marks & Spencer run out of waistcoats.
With England gearing up to play Croatia tomorrow evening in the World Cup semi-finals, (July 11) supporters all around the country – and out in Russia – have decided to adopt manager Gareth Southgate’s signature look, dubbing July 11 2018 as ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’.
The only problem is, you might struggle to get your hands on a waistcoat now, as official suit supplier of the England team, Marks & Spencer, is low on stock.
People are desperately trying to find the waistcoat which, for a while, was only available in XL and XXL sizes, as Southgate-wannabes stormed the stores.
Thankfully, Marks & Spencer understood the demand, and have since replenished their stock of the signature waistcoat. However, even now, their website reveals they’re completely sold out of various sizes.
Many people and offices are taking part in ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’ to raise money for blood cancer charity Bloodwise, the Telegraph report.
A spokesperson for Bloodwise explained their decision to turn the day into a money-raising event, saying:
As the whole country is gripped by football fever, and with Gareth’s waistcoat-wearing having elevated him to the level of footballing fashionista, we thought urging people to wear waistcoats on Wednesday would be a way of getting behind the boys at the same as raising money for a good cause.
Every year around 40,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer in the UK – the equivalent of half of the Luzhniki Stadium where the match will be played out – so it’s crucial we invest in more research to find better treatments and cures to save the lives of each and every person.
I’ll be wearing my waistcoat on Wednesday, so grab yours too and button up for blood cancer research with patriotic pride.
The Bloodwise Waistcoat Wednesday poster reads:
Show your support for the boys – and show blood cancer the red card!
We’ll be getting behind the England team ahead of their semi-final showdown by honouring boss Gareth Southgate’s new-found football fashionista status.
The idea is simple: wear a waistcoat to work this Wednesday, make a donation towards life-changing blood cancer research and help give the UK’s third biggest cancer killer the boot.
A Marks & Spencer’s spokesperson spoke about the increased sales of the waistcoat, as well as ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’, saying:
Gareth’s sideline style has meant our waistcoats are really scoring with our customers with sales doubling since the World Cup began.
We’ve got enough different styles in stock for everyone to show their support for the boys on #waistcoatwednesday.
England supporters are on board already, sharing their waistcoat pictures on social media.
One England fan wrote:
I find wearing England shirts to watch the game actually sad now. Thanks @marksandspencer. Gareth Southgate the whole of England is with you (and your rascal clobber)
Another added:
Great idea to support @bloodwise_uk with #WaistcoatWednesday this week. Raising funds for this hugely important charity and showing support for Gareth and the @England boys #ThreeLions
England will play Croatia in their first World Cup semi-final game in 28 years tomorrow (July 11).
Supporters are ready to turn into a sea of Southgates and cheer the Three Lions on!
It’s coming home!
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.