JD Sports Fashion is mulling expanding its core JD fascia outside of Europe in the next three years as its overseas business takes off.

JD executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “We’re having some success in Europe and we’re open to wider opportunities. The world is a big place isn’t it?”

JD currently trades in France, Spain, Germany and Holland. Cowgill said he was pleased with the progress in all of its overseas businesses.

He said that Italy and Austria would be its next expansion targets.

The group revealed profits had doubled in its first half to August 2 as sales jumped 27% to £721.5m,

The retailer generated profits before tax and exceptionals of £20m, up from the £10m last year.

Its sports fascias had an “excellent first half”, according to JD, and were the drivers of the stellar performance,

Cowgill said that its footwear prowess and amount of exclusive products it stocked helped sales surge in its sports stores.

He said: “It’s what’s driving a gap between us and the competition.”

Cowgill said the World Cup had helped boost shirt sales however the lacklustre England performance had stunted its growth.

“In terms of that feel good factor, people having parties and barbecues and people coming over the watch the football, it was disappointing,” he said.