The organization expressed its acknowledgment of the significance the flag holds for their supporters, emphasizing its consistent prominent display at Wembley, highlighting its importance. Additionally, they described the new 2024 home kit as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup-winning team.
However, both the Prime Minister and the Labour leader voiced criticism of the design. The debate surrounding the latest kit, priced at up to £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children, ignited on Thursday, drawing reactions from politicians and sports figures.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking to reporters, voiced a preference for the original design, stating that national flags are symbols of pride and identity that should remain unchanged. Similarly, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the flag’s role as a unifying symbol, suggesting that it does not require alteration and urging reconsideration.
The new design, worn by both the men’s and women’s teams, diverges from the traditional red St George’s Cross by incorporating navy, light blue, and purple. This departure sparked debate, as the traditional flag consists of a bright red St George’s Cross on a white background.
Despite the controversy, the media reported that there are no plans to recall or modify the shirt. Public opinion on the matter was voiced on Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell programme, with listeners expressing various perspectives.
Some, like Bill from Cwmbran, found the situation amusing and questioned the fuss over a shirt. Conversely, Katie from Clitheroe highlighted the absence of discourse on the kit’s pricing.
Ed Cowburn, a professional football kit designer, noted on Radio 4’s Today programme that the St George’s Cross only became a regular feature of England’s kits from the early 2000s, with its distinct graphic representation appearing on approximately six kits.
A representative for the FA defended the kit, highlighting several new design elements. These include colored trim on the cuffs, inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 team, and similar colors featured on the collar’s design. Emphasizing pride in the red and white St. George’s Cross, acknowledged as the England flag, the statement recognized its significance to fans, expressing intentions to prominently display it at Wembley during the upcoming match against Brazil.
Nike, in an earlier statement to the media, described the kit as a modern reinterpretation of a classic, disrupting history with its contemporary approach. The new kit made its debut on Friday with England’s U-21 team against Azerbaijan’s U-21s, with positive reviews from players like Declan Rice and Alessia Russo, who rated it highly.
Public opinion varied, with some, like taxi driver Joe from Stirling and Liz from Bury, expressing strong attachment to the traditional flag due to its historical significance and heritage. In contrast, Alison from Harrogate found the red cross potentially nationalistic and welcomed the kits’ modern design.
Nike has previously faced criticism regarding England shirts, notably during the Women’s World Cup last summer, when they initially opted not to sell goalkeeper Mary Earps’ replica shirts, prompting a public outcry. Additionally, alterations to the English football kit’s flag have occurred before, such as in 2010 when the home shirts featured a small, multi-colored St. George’s Cross pattern on the shoulders.
