Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia semifinal match against Croatia on July 11.CreditMatthias Hangst/Getty Images

The England manager may not be taking his team to the final, but its unexpected success has made him a hero for fans and fashion alike.

On Saturday, England plays for third place in the World Cup. But while its dreams of ultimate glory may have ended after a loss to Croatia, the team remains heroes to those at home, not to mention the fans who will fill the stands at the St. Petersburg Stadium wearing their support — not on their sleeves, exactly. More like over their stomachs.

Huh?

Thanks to Gareth Southgate, the team’s manager, the waistcoat has become the unexpected symbol of England’s unexpected success; a totem of the power of a dream; and evidence that  dedication and belief can unite not just a team, but also a country.

Over the last month, Mr. Southgate has raced along the sidelines, hugging his players and whispering in their ears in neatly tailored navy trousers; a matching vest buttoned all the way down; a blue shirt; a blue, red and white striped tie; and black lace-ups. But it is the waistcoat, freed from the shadow of the jacket, that has caught the eye of the watching world. And it has elevated Mr. Southgate to icon status not just in the eyes of the soccer establishment, but also the fashion world.

By Vanessa Friedman.

Full story at NY Times.