Nike defends decision to change St George's Cross on England shirt

Nike has issued a statement following the backlash over its England kit design.

This week, the sporting giant released the jerseys the Three Lions will wear during this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.

However, while these kinds of moments are usually met with excitement among fans, this kit has proven pretty divisive.

A small detail on the home shirt has seen the St George's flag, which appears on the collar, tweaked slightly.

Rather than the typical red cross on a white background, for this shirt, Nike has made the horizontal line purple and blue.

Nike

And it's not only fans who have shared their discontent, politicians, including the prime minister have even made their feelings known.

Speaking to reporters, Rishi Sunak said he 'prefers the original', claiming the national flag is a 'source of pride' and identity for the country.

"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," he said.

But now, Nike has issued its own statement on the design.

Nike

A spokesperson for the brand told Sky News: "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."

This comes after the Football Association (FA) released its own comment.

Similarly to Nike, it stated that the shirt would not be changed, despite the public outcry.

The body said: “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 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. It is not the first time that different coloured St George’s Cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts.

“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.”