- England released their new kit to be worn at Euro 2024 earlier this week
- Fans have been angered by the St George’s Cross alteration on the shirt
- Nike’s ‘playful update’ on St George’s cross is ‘a load of b******s’… who signed that flag design off? It’s so dumb – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Nike and the Football Association have no plans to recall England’s controversial new kit – with sources claiming that the altered St George’s flag is a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners.
Many fans and commentators reacted with fury after the US manufacturer’s ‘playful update’ which saw the traditional red cross replaced with one featuring navy, light blue and purple.
Some subsequently branded the new Three Lions shirt ‘woke’ and demanded the flag be returned to its original colours.
However, Nike will not alter the jersey, which is said to have ‘flown off the shelves’ since its release on Monday. Insiders have acknowledged the use of clumsy language in a Nike tweet which spoke of ‘a playful update’ which ‘appears on the collar to unite and inspire’ – but there are no plans to change it.
The shirt also has the full backing of the FA, who are understood to ‘completely stand by it’.
Fans have reacted furiously to the St George’s Cross being altered on the new kit
The kit was released earlier this week, with England captain Harry Kane modelling it ahead of this summer’s tournament
It has been claimed that the new kit is a nod to England’s 1966 World Cup heroes
Sir Alf Ramsey’s side remain the only England men’s team to win a major tournament
It is thought the flag rejig was the product of a Nike designer which was then signed off by the FA.
While the FA will not disclose which department was involved in the sign-off they too say it is aimed at honouring the ‘classic colour regime of 1966 training gear’ used when England lifted the World Cup 58 years ago, rather than an attempt to diversify the nation’s flag.
The kit was agreed on and entered into the production cycle two years ago. Even if a desire to change the St George’s Cross existed, industry experts say a new kit would take six to nine months to create and distribute.
While a small number could be made for England’s players, such a scenario is highly unlikely given the large volumes of sales already made.
