IT’S the football shirt steeped in history, worn by England legend Bobby Moore at the World Cup in Mexico 1970.

Now it could be yours as it goes under the hammer at Stacey’s Auctioneers, in Rayleigh.

The shirt was worn by Moore in England’s opening game of the 1970 World Cup against Romania, when the Three Lions took to the field to defend the trophy they had won at Wembley four years earlier.

Echo:

The shirt.

It has been put up for sale by its current owner and the auction is being organised by David Alexander, who runs Basildon-based football memorabilia website Football Wanted.

Mr Alexander, 45, whose business has an office in Bentalls and a unit at the Battlesbridge Antique’s Centre, said: “It is completely unique and totally authenticated. It’s not like these days either – with players like Wayne Rooney, they get two shirts and another spare in case they get blood on one, but in those days it was just the one.”

England won the game against Romania by a single goal, only to eventually exit the tournament at the hands of Gerd Muller’s West Germany.

Moore had promised Northern Ireland international Bertie Lutton his England shirt when the pair were due to go head to head in a home nations game in 1973.

But unused substitute Lutton didn’t get on the pitch in the match and England legend Moore gave it to another player.

When he was reminded of his promise at training back at West Ham, the 1966 World Cup hero brought in his shirt from the Romania game. Lutton later sold it.

The shirt was sold on again and its current owner, who wants to remain anonymous, is now offering it for sale.

The shirt, which is expected to be sold for up to £40,000, can be viewed at Stacey’s Auctioneers, in Websters Way, on March 29 and 30 before going under the hammer at 11.30am on Monday, March 31.

Mr Alexander said: “I think it should be popular in this area. There are a lot of West Ham fans in the area and he was also a great player for England, but you never know how much interest there is going to be in an item until it goes on sale really.

“My estimate on it is £30,000 to £40,000.”

For more information, visit www.footballwanted.com.

THE summer of 1970 was not an entirely happy one for Bobby Moore.

The legendary number 6 was arrested on suspicion of theft in Bogota, Colombia, in May, just weeks before the tournament kicked off.

He and Bobby Charlton had been looking for a present for Charlton’s wife when they were accused of taking an emerald bracelet from a jewellers.

Moore was later cleared.

England got off to a winning start, beating Romania 1-0. The second game against eventual winners Brazil is considered an all-time classic and is remembered for goalkeeper Gordon Banks’ legendary save from a Pele header, but the Three Lions lost 1-0.

After beating Czechoslovakia by the same score in the next round, England came unstuck against West Germany in the quarter finals, losing 3-2.