WALES are not wearing authentic Adidas kits at the World Cup.
Adidas have supplied kits for Wales since 2014, having renewed on a seven-year deal following their success at Euro 2016.
But there is something different about Wales’ kit in Qatar compared to all other Adidas jerseys.
Wales are wearing the ‘AeroReady’ replica shirts with an embroidered crest and manufacturer logo instead of the player issue ‘Heat.Rdy’ shirts.
That’s because Wales are ranked lower in Adidas’ sponsoring pyramid than all the other Adidas-supplied countries at the World Cup.
So although they receive special bespoke designs for the kits, there is no distinction between the replica and authentic versions.
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That means Wales shirts do not feature the Heat.Rdy technology and 3D ventilation pattern which helps keeps players cool.
Rob Page’s side have struggled in Qatar but a lack of goals rather than the heat has been the biggest problem.
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey look past their best and Wales need to beat England on Tuesday to have a chance at progressing.
But they could be knocked out on goal difference even if they beat the Three Lions, as Iran have three points and USA are on two.
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Jordan Henderson is reportedly set to start for England against Wales with Jude Bellingham possibly dropping to the bench.
Gareth Southgate has also hinted at Phil Foden getting his start of England’s World Cup campaign after he was confined to the bench against USA.
The England boss said: “We love Phil, he is a super player.
“He was into the first game, we decided not to put him into the second.
“But he is going to play an important part in this tournament for us, there is no question about that.
“We haven’t got any issue with Phil. In September he started both games for us and we put him into the game versus Iran.
“We decided to stick with that team and we felt the changes required something a little different for the USA.
“But we are intending to be here as long as we can. And he is a super player and we think the world of him. And he is going to play a big part.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
