Mystery ex-England star puts 7 iconic shirts up for auction valued at £250k

14 September 2023 , 15:08

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A collection of seven match-worn shirts from Italia '90 is expected to raise £250,000 at auction (Image: Mark Laban/Hansons/Cover Images)

A former England international is auctioning off eight match-worn shirts he collected during the Italia '90 World Cup.

The collection, which is valued at up to £250,000, includes the shirt worn by goalkeeper Peter Shilton as England crashed out on penalties to eventual winners West Germany in the semi-finals. The identity of the player selling the shirts is a mystery, with Hansons Auctioneers not naming him due to "client confidentiality".

However, they did state that he "played a crucial role in Italia 1990" and had a "stellar career in football." Charles Hanson, who owns Hansons Auctioneers, said of the collection: "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."

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As well as Shilton's semi-final jersey, fans can also bid on a Republic of Ireland shirt worn by Andy Townsend and Klaus Augenthaler's West Germany shirt. There are also match-worn shirts from Italy's Giuseppe Giannini, Holland's Johannes van't Schip, Belgium's Marc van der Linden, Cameroon's Emmanuel Kunde and Egypt's Sader Eid.

England in action at Italia 90 (Allsport UK / Allsport)

The collection has a guide price of between £150,000 and £250,000, while Shilton's shirt is expected to fetch the most money. The jersey, which has been signed by the England squad, is valued at £40,000-£50,000. "Italia 1990 is remembered for Gazza's tears," Hanson added.

"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.

The shirt worn by Peter Shilton in England's semi-final defeat to West Germany is among the seven shirts up for auction (Mirrorpix)

"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. 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."

Matthew Cooper