FA defends new England kit over flag design

The FA has defended the St George’s Cross design on its new England kit, saying “it is not the first time” different colours have been used.

The body said it understood what the flag “means to our fans”, and it will be “displayed prominently at Wembley tomorrow – as it always is”.

Nike said its design was to celebrate the 1966 World Cup team, adding it was “never our intention to offend”.

Both the prime minister and Labour leader criticised the design.

A row over the 2024 home kit – which costs up to £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children – erupted on Thursday, with politicians and sports figures weighing in on the topic.

Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he preferred the original and the national flag was a “source of pride” and identity.

“When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them because they’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are,” Mr Sunak said.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told The Sun the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.

“We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back,” he said.

The new design, worn by both the men’s and women’s team, takes creative licence with the cross by adding navy, light blue and purple to the traditional red.

The flag traditionally features the St George’s Cross bright red on a white background.

BBC News understands there are no plans to change or recall the shirt.

In a statement Nike said: “We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and understand the significance and importance of the St George’s Cross and it was never our intention to offend, given what it means to England fans. “Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements.

“The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple. The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar.”

Listeners from across the UK called Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell programme on Friday to share their opinions on the row.

Bill in Cwmbran said he found the whole thing “utterly hilarious” and didn’t understand why people were getting upset about a shirt.

The outgoing 2022 kits did not feature the English flag at all.

Meanwhile, Katie in Clitheroe said she was surprised the debate was not focusing on the cost of the kit.

Ed Cowburn, who designs football kits for a living, told Radio 4’s Today programme that the St George’s Cross only became a regular feature of the England kit from the early 2000s.

“The St George’s Cross has probably only appeared on about six kits as a distinct graphic element,” he said.

Defending the kit, a spokesperson for the FA said it had “a number of design elements” that were new.

“The coloured trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, and the same colours also feature on the design on the back of the collar,” a statement said.

It added: “We are very proud of the red and white St George’s cross – the England flag. We understand what it means to our fans, and how it unites and inspires, and it will be displayed prominently at Wembley tomorrow – as it always is – when England play Brazil.”

A Nike spokesperson had earlier told media outlets that the kit “disrupts history with a modern take on a classic”.

The new kit was debuted on Friday by England’s younger squad – the England U-21 team played Azerbaijan’s U-21s, winning 5-1.

England’s senior team, captained by Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, will wear the kit for the first time on Saturday, when the team take on Brazil in a friendly at Wembley Stadium.

Midfielder Declan Rice, as well as Lioness striker Alessia Russo, both told England Football they rated the new kit as 10 out of 10.

Another Radio 5 caller, Liz in Bury, said she was “incensed” and that it was a matter of heritage.

However, Alison from Harrogate said the red cross “can look a little nationalistic,” and felt the new kits were cool and modern.

This is not the first time Nike has faced criticism over its sale of England shirts in recent months.

During the Women’s World Cup last summer, the sportwear brand was forced to U-turn on its decision not to sell Mary Earps replica goalkeeper shirts, after a public outcry.

At the time, the Lionesses star – who won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year – said she found it “hurtful” that England fans could buy outfield players’ shirts but not her goalkeeper’s kit.

Nor is it the first time a flag has been changed on the English football kit. In 2010, the home shirts featured a small, multi-coloured St George’s Cross pattern dotted on the shoulders.