With waistcoat sales in Marks & Spencer – the official suit supplier to the England national team since 2007 – increasing by 35%, and eBay noting a 25% increase in searches for waistcoats, the Southgate effect hasn’t been confined to England’s performances on the pitch at Russia 2018.
In light of the crowds witnessed by Walkabout branches across Britain – which saw 774 burgers and 47,445 pints served to more than 25,000 people for the Colombia game alone – the bar chain is offering anyone visiting their site in a waistcoat between 7 and 13 July, the chance to win their very own VIP experience.
Waistcoat wearers who visit a Walkabout site or upload a picture to social media have the chance to watch the final from their own booth and win their own replica World Cup trophy.
A spokesperson from Walkabout said: “We’ve been delighted by how many England fans have adopted Walkabout as their home for the football.
“Sure, it was a shame to see the Socceroos leave the competition at the group stages but now we’re throwing our full support behind England.
“Gareth Southgate has re-energised English football, as anyone who’s been to a Walkabout to watch a match will tell you!
“We think it’s right that people put on a waistcoat and enjoy the chance to win their very own VIP experience.”
By reaching the semi-final of the 2018 Russia World Cup, England have matched their best ever showing at a World Cup on foreign soil, which resulted in a loss on penalties to West Germany in Italy in 1990.