By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
A new design of the St. George’s Cross on the England football team kit is proving controversial in several prominent circles, including the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
The new shirt design for the Euros 2024 features the St. George’s Cross in navy, light blue and purple on the back of the collar. The St. George’s Cross is traditionally bright red on a white background.
Despite objections from Sunak, who has remarked that he “prefers the original”, it is understood that there are no plans to change or recall the shirts.
Sunak adds:
“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.”
The new shirts do not come cheap either, costing £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children.
The designer and manufacturer NIKE states that the colours were inspired by the training kit worn by the England 1966 World Cup winners and that the new design “is a playful update to the Cross of St. George.”
The England Football Association supports the new design, stating that they are not trying to change the St. George’s flag!
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