RETAILER Marks & Spencer is taking over from Armani as official tailor to the England football teams for off-the-pitch events.

The British high street chain will supply formal wear for three years until the end of the 2010 World Cup.

Italian fashion house Armani's contract with the England team expired after the last World Cup.

The deal with the Football Association will mean M&S dressing the England men's senior team, the men's under-21 side and the England women's team.

British tailor Timothy Everest designed the M&S suits for the England men's senior team.

The squad will step out in their M&S outfits for the first England game at the new Wembley Stadium.

Replica versions of the suits, shirts, ties, cufflinks and belts will go on sale at the high street chain from Thursday. Pictured are, from left, Jermain Defoe, John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Ben Foster.