Nike’s New England Men’s Soccer Shirt Is Causing A Stir With Its Recolored Flag

LONDON — England’s new men’s soccer team shirt is out, There is a flag generating a lot of fuss. Some people are concerned about more than just the cost.

Nike’s decision to modify the colour of the St. George’s Cross on the new shirt from the traditional red and white has prompted the prime minister and the man expected to follow him to express their disapproval.

Nike’s New England Men’s Soccer Shirt Is Causing A Stir With Its Recolored Flag

By early afternoon Friday, a Change.org petition seeking a design change received more than 22,000 signatures.

The new Nike-designed shirt, modelled by various players, including England captain Harry Kane, is being released ahead of this year’s European Championship in Germany. It features an altered cross on the back of the shirt collar, modified with purple and blue horizontal stripes.

In reference to the training uniform the England team wore at the 1966 World Cup, the men’s team’s lone major tournament victory, Nike describes it as a “playful update” to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024. England will begin the competition this summer as one of the favourites.

Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party and a supporter of Premier League leaders Arsenal, said he thought the flag, which has an image of the St. George’s Cross, was a “unifier” and that Nike should “reconsider” its decision to change it.

“It doesn’t need to be changed,” he told The Sun. “We just need to be proud of it.”

During a visit to the north of England, Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was also quizzed about Nike’s decision.

“Obviously, I prefer the original, and my general opinion is that when it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them because they are a source of pride, identity, and who we are, and they’re perfect as they are,” said Sunak, who supports Southampton in their bid for promotion back to the Premier League.

Nike’s New England Men’s Soccer Shirt Is Causing A Stir With Its Recolored Flag

In this year’s general election, opinion surveys show Labour will defeat the Conservatives, and politicians of all colours will undoubtedly be asked to speak out on a number of cultural topics.

Nike and the Football Association, which controls the England national team, have stated that they will not change their strategy.

Despite the criticism, the FA defended the design, stating that it was “not the first time” that various coloured St. George’s Cross-inspired designs appeared on England jerseys and that it is “very proud” of the original cross.

“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,” said a spokeswoman for the team. The cuff’s colored trim and the collar’s back design take their cues from the uniforms worn by England’s 1966 heroes.

John Barnes, one of England’s finest players, said he didn’t understand the controversy and prefers to avoid culture battles.

“I think it’s much ado about nothing,” remarked the 60-year-old ex-winger.

Nike’s New England Men’s Soccer Shirt Is Causing A Stir With Its Recolored Flag

Most people will be more concerned with the flag’s price than its colour. An “authentic” version for adults costs 125 pounds ($155), while youngsters pay 120 pounds. That’s a significant expense when household finances have been stretched due to one of the most severe cost-of-living problems in decades.

The Football Supporters’ Association has long complained about the exorbitant cost of replica shirts, arguing that a “sell-by” date should be added on kits so buyers know how long they will be in use until a fresh version is produced.

“An unwitting parent could easily buy a kit for Christmas or a birthday only to find it’s ‘old’ within a matter of months,” a representative for the group said.

SOURCE – (AP)