A unique collection of football shirts amassed by an England star during the Italia 1990 World Cup tournament is being offered for sale for the first time ever.
The seven shirts – described as ‘the magnificent seven’ by Hansons Auctioneers – have a guide price of £150,000-£250,000. They were exchanged with opposition players who competed against England in one of the most memorable World Cup tournaments of all time.
In addition, the yellow shirt worn by goalkeeper Peter Shilton during England’s heartbreaking penalty shoot-out against West Germany in the semi-finals is available. Signed by the England squad, its estimate is £40,000-£50,000.
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. Bids are invited by private tender.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “For any die-hard 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. 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.”
Gascoigne, then aged only 23 and England’s youngest player in the tournament, became distraught after picking up a yellow card in the 98th minute of England’s epic semi-final clash against Germany. Due to a caution picked up earlier in the tournament, he instantly knew he would be unable to play in the World Cup final. Sadly, Italia 1990 was not only Gazza’s first World Cup, it was his last. It represented the peak of his turbulent career.
Charles said: “Italia 1990 is remembered for Gazza’s tears. He’d already warmed fans’ hearts with his exhilarating performances. His visible emotion demonstrated his love for his country and the national game. It endeared him to the nation. He became a national hero dominating the front pages. Gazzamania was born.
“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. As well as Gazza, players like Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, John Barnes, Stuart Pearce and Peter Beardsley delivered a spectacle in Italy on a par with an operatic feast – the agony and the ecstasy. If you watched it, you will never forget it.”
The group stage saw England draw against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. A 1-0 victory over Egypt swept them through to the knock-out stages. The excitement of making the last 16 reached fever pitch when England beat Belgium 1-0. The winning streak continued in the quarter finals with a 3-2 victory over Cameroon.
Sadly, the seemingly inevitable pain of losing on penalties to Germany in the semi-finals broke England’s heart. Germany went on to beat Argentina in the final to win the tournament. England finished fourth after losing 2-1 to Italy who were also knocked out at the semi-final stage.
Charles said: “This is the first time a complete and unique set of football shirts relating to England’s Italia 1990 tournament have been available to buy. Peter Shilton’s shirt is equally iconic. He gave it away to our vendor in the dressing room after the pain of that penalty shoot-out defeat against West Germany.
“Due to client confidentiality we cannot reveal which former England star is parting with his collection. However, he played a crucial role in Italia 1990 and enjoyed a stellar career in football.”
Bids invited
To submit a private tender for the seven Italia 1990 shirts, estimate £150,000-£250,000, or the Peter Shilton Italia 1990 shirt, £40,000-£50,000, please email [email protected] Alternatively, call 01283 733988 or 07725 514855.
