FA release statement on England flag controversy as old Umbro kit emerges to prove their point
England’s new shirt may have split opinion but it is not the first time the St George’s Cross has been modified.
Fans were left in uproar this week following the release of the Three Lions new home and away shirts due to a ‘tampering’ of the cross on the back of jersey.
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Rather than the traditional red cross draped onto a white backdrop, Nike and the FA opted for a more 'playful' approach aimed to ‘unite and inspire’ the nation.
Reaction to the subtle change has become a huge talking point with fans, England legends and politicians, including prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, all weighing into the debate.
However, the FA will stand by the controversial design after Nike insisted they would not change it.
The governing body said in a statement: "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.
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"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."
To prove their point, images have surfaced online showing a similar amendment made to England’s home shirt in the 2011/12 season.
Before England's current deal with Nike, Umbro were tasked with design duties in preparation for Euro 2012.
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The home shirt was depicted with a host of crosses displayed in four different colours across the upper back area of the shirt.
Umbro’s rationale for the design was to represent the country’s diverse cultural make up – a similar stance to Nike’s recent offering.
David Seaman says his England team would've refused to wear the new Nike kit with updated flag
But the response was minimal and in some cases the design went by completely unnoticed by fans that may not have thought twice about purchasing the kit.
Umbro subsequently released a special edition version of the England home kit emphasising the pattern which was created by designer Peter Saville.
Similarly, the shirt featured a series of tiny St George's Crosses in red, blue, green and purple, sparking little to no fan resistance.
Judging by the contrasting reactions, it appears that 12 years has brought about less tolerance to particular issues across the country.
A more reactive and outspoken population has undoubtedly stoked a fire that was barely a flame not too long ago.
And in a country divided, the reaction to the kit which was released on Monday, was somewhat unsurprising.
Figures such as talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, England record-cap holder Peter Shilton and Labour leader Keir Starmer have all voiced their displeasure at the multi-coloured flag.
Meanwhile, England stars Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Lionesses striker Alessio Russo gave their backing to the shirt, rating it ‘ten out of ten’.
Despite the controversy, England will debut the new kit in Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley, live on talkSPORT.
Gareth Southgate’s side face Belgium on Tuesday in the final set of fixtures before finalising his squad for the Euro in June.
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