Rishi Sunak has waded into the debate over Nike’s “interesting update” on New England kits.
Nike has modified the cross on the back of the jersey ahead of Euro 2024, using purple and blue horizontal stripes. The US company said the colors were inspired by the training kits worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winning team.
The Prime Minister said equipment manufacturers “should not mess around” with the St George’s Cross.
Former England winger John Barnes told the PA news agency the debate over the flag was “much ado about nothing” but Sunak said on Friday: “Obviously I prefer the original and my overall view is that when it comes to our We shouldn’t mess with them when it comes to flags.
“Because they are our source of pride, identity and identity, and they are perfect as they are.”
SA’s St George’s Cross pattern appears on New England football shirts on display at Wembley store
(Action photo via Reuters)
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Nike to reconsider, telling The Sun: “I’m a huge football fan and I watch England games, men’s and women’s games, and everyone uses the flag. It’s a unifier. . It doesn’t need to change. We just need to be proud of it.
“So, I think they should reconsider this and change it back. I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they think it needs to be changed in the first place.”
Labour’s shadow attorney-general Emily Thornberry also thought the shirt change was “bizarre”.
during an interview bbc breakfastShe said: “I think the England flag is the England flag. Why are there all these other colors in it?”
As of noon Friday, a Change.org petition calling for the design change had attracted more than 21,000 signatures.
However, former national team star Barnes can’t understand what all the fuss is about.
The changes were made ahead of Euro 2024
(Action photo via Reuters)
“I’m not involved in the culture wars anymore but the whole outrage… I didn’t even know there was a St George’s Cross,” he said at the Forever Reds Golf Day ahead of Saturday’s Liverpool Legends clash with Ajax It is expected to raise more than £1 million for the LFC Foundation.
“If they are going to change the Three Lions then that’s a debate. I don’t see what all the fuss is about. I think it’s much ado about nothing.
“They’re not changing the colors of the shirts, the Lions are still there. If they were to change the England flag and change the colours, then that’s a proper debate.”
Kit pricing has also been criticized.
The ‘authentic’ version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children, while the ‘stadium’ version costs £84.99 and £64.99 for children.
