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A small detail in England’s new kit for the national team has sparked an intense debate across the pond.
Monday, March 18, Nike released new kits for national teamsEngland is among them. On the back of their collar, the new home kit has an interpretation of St. George’s Cross as it appears on the England flag. The cross on the kit, however, is not a solid shade of red like the one on the flag. It is a combination of red, purple, and blue. Nike called it “a playful update” meant to “unite the team and inspire.”
Nike and the FA are facing backlash from politicians and fans. At least three Change.org petitions calling for the St. George’s Cross’s restoration to its original shape have been launched. The largest petition had nearly 49,000 signatories as of Thursday.
It has brought opposing politicians together, as both British Premier Rishi Sunak (left) and opposition leader Keir starmer (right) have condemned the change in the flag.
Sunak told reporters that he preferred the original flag. “They are a source for pride, identity and who we are, and they are perfect as they are,” Sunak said.
Starmer said he thought the original St. George’s Cross would be a “unifier”. He also said that Nike needed “to reconsider” the move. “It does not need to be altered,” he told The Sun newspaper. “We should be proud of this.”
The FA and Nike are not going to change the new kit to appease the public.
“The new England 2024 ‘Home’ kit has a number of design elements which were meant as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup winning team. The coloured trims on the cuffs are inspired by England’s 1966 heroes. They also appear on the design of the collar. It is not first time that different colour St George’s crosses-inspired designs are used on England shirts”, reads a FA statement emailed. Time Magazine.
“We are very proud of the red and white St George’s cross—the England flag. We know what it means to the fans and how it inspires and unites them. It will be displayed prominently during (future) matches.”
Meanwhile, some fans are taking things into their own hand. According to the Daily MailFans can cover the Nike version with iron-on St. George’s Crosses sold in shops all over England. Some fans make their own iron-on transfers.
Harvey Elliott, an England midfielder, played with his collar up, hiding the flag during a Euro Under-21 qualifying match on Friday, 22 March, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
As reported by Sky SportsNike released a statement saying: “We’ve been a partner of the FA for over a year and understand its significance and importance. We never intended to offend England fans, knowing what the St George’s Cross means to them.
“Together and with the FA, our intention was to celebrate heroes of 1966 and the achievements they made. The trim around the cuffs is based on the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes. It’s a gradient between blues and purples, with a top of red. The back of the collar also features an interpretation of the flag in the same colours.”
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