Armani to Design Becks and Co World Cup Kit

Italian fashion maestro Giorgio Armani has been chosen to dress England's football heroes for the World Cup.

And while label-loving players, including captain David Beckham, will be thrilled with the choice, the news has ruffled a few feathers as homegrown designers, including tailor-to-the-stars Ozwald Boateng, were overlooked.

England manager Sven Goran Eriksson is convinced his players will lead the style stakes in the hands of the fashionista.

"We will be the best dressed team in Germany," he said proudly.

It is the first time an overseas designer has dressed the World Cup team for their off-pitch wardrobe, although Armani previously designed England's clothing for the 2004 European Championships.

Clearly thrilled to have made the cut, Giorgio is hoping to make England's star players winners off the pitch as well as on.

"Football players are the new style leaders and they are very different to movie stars because they have to display a marked physical and mental discipline that makes them truly heroic" he explained.

The soccer stars will be measured for their classic navy blue wool suits in the next two weeks.

They'll wear the bespoke outfits with flowing white shirts, light blue ties, brown belts and brown leather shoes.