Gareth Southgate responds following fan outrage over decision to change flag on England shirt

England manager Gareth Southgate has responded amid the fan outrage surrounding the Three Lions' new shirt.

Earlier this week, Nike released the jerseys England will wear during this summer's Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

These kind of moments are usually met with huge excitement by fans, though that has not exactly been the case this time around.

Instead, many have been outraged by a small tweak made to the St George's flag on the collar of the home shirt.

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

Nike

Football fans have made their feelings known on social media as to how they feel about the change, but they are certainly not alone.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak told reporters on Friday (22 March) how 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.

And in a press conference ahead of England's game against Brazil this evening, Southgate has had his say.

He said: "The most important thing that has to be on an England shirt are the Three Lions. That's our iconic symbol.

"It is what distinguishes us not only from football teams around the world, but from England rugby and England cricket."

Southgate added: "If you're asking should we be tampering with the cross of St George?

"In my head if it's not a red cross on a white background, then it isn't the cross of St George anyway. It's a hard question to answer really.

"It's presumably some artistic take which I'm not creative enough to understand."

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Nike has also issued a statement on the shirt fiasco, with it appearing no changes will be made.

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."