England Nike kit controversy: FA to introduce major overhaul in approval process following ‘woke’ redesign of St George’s Cross

The 2026 England World Cup kit will have to undergo vetting and a number of approvals before it is released for sale, according toThe Telegraph. The move follows this week's controversy surrounding the decision to include a multicoloured St George's Cross on the back of the kit's collar, rather than the traditional red and white - with some even claiming that the design was 'woke'.

The St George's Cross has been displayed in various colours on England kits on a number of occasions and this year's design was intended to pay homage to the 1966 winning side. However, this has not stopped politicians, fans and ex-players weighing in on the matter. The widespread backlash has forced the FA to approach approving the design of their kits a little more carefully in case people are offended by a minor design detail in the future.

There had been suggestions that Liverpool player Harvey Elliott had worn his collar up in the England under-21's game against Azerbaijan in protest. However, fans have spotted that when donning a kit with a collar, Elliott has worn it up previously.

England will be hoping to write new headlines as they take on Brazil in their new kit in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday night. The Three Lions will be without star players Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane but will still be hoping to prove their worth against one of the best sides in the world.