Why England are wearing nameless shirts in second half against Wales

The Three Lions, however, will have a different look about them for the second half of the friendly at Wembley.

England’s shirts will have no names on them after the break as the match has been dedicated as an ‘Alzheimer’s Society International’ as part of the Football Association (FA) and Alzheimer’s Society’s official charity partnership.

This is the fourth ‘Alzheimer’s Society International’ and it will also be marked by England and Wales players walking out alongside 22 fans living with dementia.

Those selected will replace the child mascots that usually accompany players onto the pitch ahead of kick-off and join both squads for the national anthems.

The gesture is to support the Alzheimer’s Society and in recognition of the people living with dementia in the UK.

The names will disappear from the England players’ shirts when they return to the pitch after half-time against Wales, to highlight how people with dementia lose vital memories - even the names of their favourite footballers.

The fixture will also be marked by 22 fans living with dementia walking out at Wembley with England and Wales players.

Andy Paul, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019 and is one of the fans who will be walking out at Wembley, said: “I didn’t think at my age I’d ever do something like this, and I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard the news.

“I’m going to cherish this opportunity; to have my family there watching and to share the moment with them will be incredibly special.

“I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t necessarily what you might expect, and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly stop doing the things you love.”

Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA, said: “Our partnership with Alzheimer's Society continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by dementia, and the twenty-two people living with a diagnosis who will walk out at Wembley alongside the national teams will ensure this message resonates more than ever.”

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