Welbeck scores official history of England football team

Welbeck is to publish England: The Official History by journalist Daniel Storey, in association with the Football Association (FA).

The book will be the the first officially licensed history of the England football team, under a new licensing deal with the FA. It features more than 250 photos and details the history of the world's oldest national football team, which this week reached its first major men's tournament final since winning the World Cup in 1966. Damian Treece, senior licensing manager, acquired world rights for the title.

Published in the run up to its 150th birthday in 2022, it charts the legacy of the England national team, covers the highs and lows of the men's and women's national teams and features icons past and present including Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Hope Powell, David Beckham, Steph Houghton and Harry Kane. The titles is due for publication on 14th October, and will include England’s complete performance at the 2020 Euros.

Wayne Davies, group publisher for non-fiction, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Football Association on this hugely exciting project. If this summer has shown us anything, it’s that the England team still has the ability to capture the public’s imagination almost a century and a half since the first international match was played. England: The Official History promises to be a definitive celebration of the Three Lions and Lionesses that fans won’t want to miss.”

Simon Wickham, senior commercial manager in retail and licensing at the FA, said: “Ahead of a significant milestone for both our men’s and women’s teams, we are pleased to license Welbeck Publishing Group to produce this official historic record to mark a celebratory year for the FA. Our national teams continue to be an inspiration for many and this will bring to life a rich history that connects with our nation.”