We’ve already revealed the new England Away kit, but why did we choose to launch it with Kasabian, in Paris? Here’s why we decided to go down a more unusual route…

For many the concept of the Englishman abroad is a simple one, and not a very attractive one at that. But we wanted to remind everyone of the positive influence that English culture has had around the world. Whether it’s literature, theatre, art, film, fashion or even food, England has had an effect that far outweighs its size. And if there’s anything that the English are particularly famous for exporting besides football, it’s music.

Since the dawn of rock and roll, music culture has had a steady English presence throughout. From the Merseybeat of the 1960s through Led Zeppelins 1970s epics, to New Order and The Smiths offering two ways of escape in the 1990s and the Britpop vision offered by Blur, Pulp and Oasis in the 1990s, not to mention the thousands of smaller but no less important groups along the way, English bands have always been in the midst of the musical moment. Right now, one band who typifies that English presence on the musical map is four lads from Leicester – Kasabian.

Just like the England football team when they play abroad, Kasabian are representing the vibrancy and spirit of England when they perform on foreign soil. That’s why they were perfect to reveal the new England Away shirt. With a gig in Paris already booked, it was an opportunity too good to miss.

And so on a wintery February night Kasabian walked out for their encore, having already played a stomer of a set. Singer Tom, the epitome of the cocky frontman, strides onto the stage to a mixed chorus of boos and cheers. Then, the first bars of Fire ring out and the hall erupts, the next four minutes a blur of excitement, singing and jumping around like madmen. At the close of the song the cheers continue, and the band reprise the song as the crowd continue to sing the chorus long after it’s finished. It was crazy, chaotic and, if you ask us, pretty cool. It was England Away.