FA issue statement after receiving brutal backlash to 'woke' England kit after being accused of 'virtue-signalling'

Nike switched the traditional red cross on the collar of England's Euro 2024 shirt to a navy, light blue, and purple flag. While the Football Association say it was meant as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup winning team, and the sportswear giant described it as a "playful update" - a row has erupted over it being 'woke'. Despite the backlash, the FA has stood firm over the jersey.

A 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."

The debate over this topic has been fuelled by the likes of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said the flag should not have been changed, and Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, who denounced the move as "virtue signaling woke nonsense."
"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.

Many football fans have demanded the original flag be reinstated and an online petition has collected thousands of signatures, meaning this story may continue to rumble on. On the pitch, England host Brazil on Saturday, followed by Belgium on Tuesday in two friendly matches.