He suits, he scores

Not for nothing is Arcadia boss Stuart Rose one of the City's highest-paid executives.

Under his direction, the fashion group's staid Burton brand is the name behind the England football squad's smart and suited World Cup look, now unveiled on none other than manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. It is sure to boost the ailing brand's sales and help it keep up with Topman and other better-performing names in the Arcadia stable, which has seen a 60 per cent surge in half-year profits.

Even with a fractured foot, David Beckham is one of the most influential role models for British men and will set tills ringing. He is even credited as a consultant to the Burton design team on behalf of the England squad for the suit.

The navy two-button (Beckham knows Gucci has done two-button for next season) single-breasted wool suit, sold without the distinctive three-lion crest, retails at Burton from today for £175 off the peg, or £250 made-to-measure. For that princely sum, you also get a commemorative suit carrier and a signed mini-football. With the current special offer you could kit yourself out head to foot - including shirt, tie and even shoes - like Beckham and co for £160.

Last time, the honour of suiting the England team for their airport tarmac shots went to menswear guru Paul Smith, who put Michael Owen, Alan Shearer, Glen Hoddle and Beckham in olive-green single-breasted suits in 1998.

Past sartorial triumphs have included Paul Gascoigne and team in businesslike double-breasted grey suits back in 1990; Kevin Keegan in mix-and-match jacket and slacks in style-free 1982; and the classic Bobby Charlton team of 1966 in slim black Beatles-style suits and slimmer ties.

This year's look, while hardly revolutionary in the bandannaandsarong mould Beckham has tried, at least makes a quietly dignified style statement that should not date. However they fare in Tokyo this summer, at least this year's England squad will be able to look back at their publicity shots without squirming with embarrassment at what they are wearing.