Ian Wright's Fashion Choice Sparks Online Debate During England Match
The football pundit's striking beret drew comparisons to Samuel L. Jackson and Frank Spencer, overshadowing England's victory.
Football pundit Ian Wright's choice of a black wool beret drew considerable attention and online commentary during England's 3-0 Nations League victory over Czechia. His distinctive fashion statement sparked a wave of reactions, with viewers comparing his look to Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson and the television character Frank Spencer.
Online comments included "Loving Ian Wright’s Frank Spencer cosplay" and "That’s not Frank Spencer, that’s Frank Marks & Spencer." Another user humorously questioned "How did Roy Keane keep a straight face?" while another asked, "Is that the French version of Samuel L Jackson?" The reference to "Ooh Betty!" also emerged, referencing Spencer's on-screen wife from the comedy "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em."
However, not all reactions were positive. A supporter of his former club Crystal Palace commented, "Bad version of Orson Welles? More like Orson Cart." In contrast, fashion expert Adam Cheung of the GQ website offered a more favorable review, stating, "He looked like an art professor you’d actually turn up to a 9am lecture for."
The beret, priced at £69, is from independent menswear label AWMS. Wright paired it with a £230 oversized grey linen-cotton suit from the brand Universal Works. His stylist, Jess Stebbings, told GQ that Wright's style is "timeless and classic," adding that they aimed to "switch up his hats a bit."
The beret also proved practical when the Wembley pitch sprinklers activated unexpectedly before the match, catching Wright, fellow pundit Roy Keane, and presenter Mark Pougatch off guard. As they sought shelter, Pougatch jokingly asked Wright if that was the reason for his headwear.
