The England shirt was first introduced for the first international match they ever played, which was against Scotland in 1872. It was long sleeved and plain white with the four lions badge of the Football Association (FA). The FA had been introduced some 10 years prior to this match as the top domestic sides wanted to standardize rules and regulations for football. That initial game against Scotland was the beginning of a rich history of England shirts. The players were only provided with the shirt for that game, they had to provide their own blue socks and white shorts.

The England home shirt was changed slightly in 1882 with the addition of a collar. The shorts were changed to blue at this time too. The socks were changed to black in 1920 for a decade. It was revamped in the 1930s when the England away shirt was also introduced. Before this time the international games were only against the home nations Wales, North Ireland and Scotland, who all had different colored kits. When England began playing against other teams, it became apparent that an away kit was required. The first England away shirt was navy blue, with white shorts and dark blue socks. The England home shirt at this time was still plain white, with blue shorts and blue socks.

Over the years the England football shirt has generally stayed the same, with some subtle differences. In the mid 70s to mid 80s there were various styles with lines along the top of the shirts. Over time shorts have become smaller than the long baggy ones that were first worn. They became very short and tight fitting in the 70's and 80's. Since then they have settled on the current style which is medium length and loose fitting.

The England away kit has seen more variations. The navy blue shirt was soon changed after the 1950 world cup. England won the world cup for the first and only time in 1966, and since then there has been a trend towards keeping the famous red away kit (with white shorts and red socks). The current England away shirt is a homage to the 1966 kit worn in the world cup with red shirt, classically designed in a simple style.

The England away shirt was changed to sky blue for the 1970 and 1990 World Cups. The away style was strangely changed to one which emulated the Brazilian home kit in 1973, but this only lasted for three games. The away kit was famously changed to all gray for the 1996 European cup. England lost to Germany in the semi final wearing the controversial shirt which was said to be a hindrance. The gray England shirts color was quickly scrapped amongst claims that players couldn't pick each other out on the field so easily.

The current England home shirt and away shirts are modern but also have a retro element. The idea is to emulate the success of 1966 by wearing a similar kit, in the hope of inspiring fans and players with former glory. The England shirt has always featured the four lions crest as a badge on the chest of the players. Umbro has been the brand most commonly used to create the shirts.