Nike have said that they will NOT be changing the new design of the St George’s flag on the New England Euro 2024 kits that have been branded as “woke nonsense”.
The American sportswear giants have recently caused something of an uproar amongst the British public since unveiling England’s new Euro 2024 livery.
Nike have termed the changes to the St George’s flag that is worn upon the rear collar on the New England shirts as a “playful update” on the traditional red on white design.
The new design sees the white background of the flag removed, sat upon the navy collar of the New England shirts, as well as the introduction of three different shades of red to make up the vertical axis of the flag’s cross, and blues and purples making up the horizontal axis.
Amongst those in uproar about the changes are Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as well as Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, and politicians Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson.
“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,” said Sunak.
Lucy Frazer said “Our national heritage – including St George’s Cross – brings us together. Toying with it is pointless and unnecessary,”
“Fans should always come first, and it’s clear that this is not what fans want.”
What inspired Nike’s new St George design?
Nike themselves have rejected the many claims that the new design of the St George flag has anything to do with “wokeness”.
They themselves have said that their inspiration came from the training kit England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad.
The training kit, seen below, boasts the same various shades of blue and reds alongside the traditional England white that Nike’s new St George’s emblem is built around.
Nike have said that they are not planning on changing the new design of England’s Euro 2024 St George flag on the shirts, however the flag flown above stadiums at their matches will not be changed.
The FA have also said that they will stand by the American company and are understood to have said that they do not believe that Nike are trying to, or want to change the St George’s flag.
But it isn’t just the new St George design that Nike are coming under fire for with the newest addition to England’s kit collection.
There has also been noise surrounding the price point of the shirts that go on general sale to fans.
The shirts went on sale yesterday, the 21st of March, with the “authentic” version of the jersey priced at £124.99, and the “stadium” version of the shirt at £84.99. The children’s shirt prices are £119.99 and £64.99 respectively.
Labour leader, Kier Starmer has publicly voiced his thoughts that the company should reduce the price of their shirts for the fans of the England national squad.
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