The Football Association (FA) say they are “very proud of the red and white St George’s cross” amid the ongoing fallout over the new England kit.
England revealed on Monday the home and away strips that will be worn at this summer’s European Championships in Germany, with the first senior outing set to be during Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
The traditional white home jersey included a “a playful update” to the flag on the back of the collar, according to manufacturers Nike, which was intended “to unite and inspire”.
The move has faced criticism, however, particularly from high-profile figures including politicians, commentators, and media personalities, with calls for the kit to be recalled and changed.
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Nike claim the introduction of purple to the cross was meant as a nod to the training kit that England wore during their 1966 World Cup-winning campaign, with the FA on Friday following suit before confirming the kit would be worn by the team on Saturday.
An FA spokesperson 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.”
(Nike Football)
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