IN DEFENCE OF THE 2006 WAG 'FITS

You don't need to be an armchair expert to observe that England have been a little lacklustre on the pitch this tournament. Swivel your gaze pitch-side, however, and it's all happening, mostly thanks to Tolami Benson. In the stands to support her boyfriend Bukayo Saka, the ad exec has not only been reinventing terrace style, she's also reminded us that WAG culture is part of the tapestry of the beautiful game. And who walked so Tolami could run? The WAGs of 2006, that’s who. Deep-dive, incoming!

Picture the scene: it’s 2006. The England squad have arrived in Germany for the biggest football event of the year. They’ve brought their wives and girlfriends (the WAGs) for support, including Victoria Beckham (AKA Posh Spice), Coleen Rooney and Cheryl Cole, and they’re all staying in the sleepy spa town of Baden-Baden. Celebrity culture is peaking and the tabloids have a field day papping them everywhere – dancing on tables in nightclubs, working out and shopping HARD. Everything about them is criticised – especially their outfits. In fact, when England get knocked out, they get the blame for distracting the players.

Fast-forward to 2024: high-fashion collabs are connecting football and style more closely than ever, and the WAGs' Y2K style – think oversized shades, low-rise jorts and logo tops – is firmly back on the agenda. It looks like a reappraisal of the Posh/Cheryl/Coleen triumvirate is seriously overdue – so check out the 2006 moments that were *actually* way ahead of their time.

Nike Football Euro 2024 England Stadium home jersey in white, £84.99

We love how Victoria Beckham chose to wear a vest with ‘England Rocks’ plastered across the front – it’s giving supportive gf. This paired with the micro shorts (which made a comeback on the Miu Miu runway of SS22) and the oversized shades? It's all so Y2K-coded and we can't get enough. Update it for 2024 with the latest match-ready jerseys.

Cotton On longline denim jorts in blue crush, £30

Everything about Colleen here feels like a throwback: the quiff ponytail hairdo, the tie-waist belt with the boho details, and of course, the jorts, which are huge this year, literally and figuratively. Why not add a pair to your summer rotation?

Von Dutch tampa trucker cap beige checkerboard print, £35

If you love the Y2K details, then commit to the bit. Cheryl loved a trucker hat, a chunky heart-shaped necklace and a stand-out handbag to match. We suggest starting with a Von Dutch cap to channel your inner WAG.

Topshop motocross colour block faux leather jacket in multi, £45

If you were on the fence about the motocross trend, come join us on Team Tolami. She showed up to the first England match of the Euros in *THE* most iconic custom leather biker jacket that incorporated the UK’s flag colours – plus, it was daubed with the number 87, which was once Saka’s Arsenal shirt number. It's official: WAG fever is back.