Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hit out at Nike’s decision to recolour the St George’s Cross on England’s kit for Euro 2024, saying designers shouldn’t “mess with” the national flag.
Nike revealed England’s kits for Euro 2024 earlier this week, with the home shirt featuring what the designer calls “a playful update” to the St George’s Cross on the rear of the collar.
Alongside its traditional red colour, the cross incorporates navy, light blue and purple tones against the blue of the collar.
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The change has drawn criticism from several high-profile politicians, with Labour leader Keir Starmer telling The Sun that Nike should recall the shirts and change the design.
It is understood Nike and the Football Association stand by the design, but that has not stopped the Prime Minister from wading into the debate.
On Friday, he told reporters: “When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them.
“They’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”
Home or away? 🤩
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— England (@England) MARCH 21, 2024
Nike say the additional colours are inspired by the blue, white and red training kits worn by the Three Lions at the 1966 World Cup, their only triumphant major tournament campaign.
England will face Brazil and Belgium in two high-profile friendlies at Wembley Stadium over the coming days, as Gareth Southgate finetunes his plans for Euro 2024.
The Three Lions open their campaign in Germany against Serbia on June 16, before facing Denmark and Slovenia in their other Group C fixtures.
