Nike has issued a statement in reply to criticism of the new England kit, stating that they did not mean to offend anyone with the changes to the St George’s Cross.
The new kit created by the American sportswear company was revealed this week. It had a ‘playful update’ by replacing the traditional red cross of the England flag with purple and blue stripes.
The change has been strongly criticized but Nike has supported their design.
‘We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and recognize the significance and importance of the St George’s Cross and it was never our intention to offend, given what it means to England fans,’ a statement from Nike read.
‘Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements.
‘The trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.
‘The same colors also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar.’
The change to the England kit, to be worn at Euro 2024 this summer, has been heavily criticized on social media with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer also critical of the design.
The Football Association however announced on Friday they have no plans to withdraw the kit, set to be worn by the senior men’s team for the first time on Saturday night in a friendly match against Brazil.
‘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,’ a statement from the FA read.
‘The colored trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, and the same colors also feature on the design on the back of the collar.
‘It is not the first time that different colored 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.’
