England manager Gareth Southgate has stated that the Three Lions logo on the team’s shirt is the most important symbol, amid criticism over the new kit’s St George’s Cross design. Nike changed the traditional red cross on the back of the collar, adding blue and purple. The Football Association (FA), however, said the new design pays tribute to the 1966 World Cup-winning side and is not meant to replace the St George’s Cross. Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have criticised the new look.
Ahead of England games versus Brazil and Belgium, Southgate pointed out that the debate is about whether the St George’s Flag belongs on the team’s shirt. He opined that the Three Lions logo’s iconic status identifies the team globally. Southgate added that it also sets England apart from other cricket and rugby sides. Southgate said he was unaware of the focus on the change to the cross design in the kit’s artwork. Southgate, however, acknowledged his lack of creativity in understanding modern artistic design.
For the FA, the design works as a tribute to the country’s football history and the past successes of the national team. The FA said that several past England kits used differently coloured St George’s cross designs. The organisation added that the red and white St George’s Cross had an important place in the fans’ hearts and its prominence would still exist as usual during the Brazil match at Wembley Stadium. Nike, which has partnered with the FA since 2012, described the new St George’s Cross design as a “playful update
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