GARETH SOUTHGATE has had his say on Nike’s “woke” England kit ahead of it’s debut against Brazil.
The Three Lions will wear the controversial new jersey in the match against the Samba Nation at Wembley tomorrow evening.
Fans, footie legends and politicians alike berated the shirt unveiled by kit manufacturer Nike after they revealed a colour change to the St George’s Cross.
Rather than the traditional red and white colour scheme of the cross, a new interpretation of it displayed a red, blue, purple and pink pattern.
Nike called the kit a “playful update” based on England’s 1966 training kit – to date the senior men’s team only international triumph – with the FA also doubling down by declaring the kit would NOT be recalled.
But now England boss Southgate has now broken his silence on the 2024 kit.
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He said: “It’s not been high on my list of priorities.
“But it depends which bit it is (controversial) because I don’t know if the debate is about the St George flag needing to be on the England shirt because it hasn’t always been.
“The most important thing that has to be on an England shirt is the Three Lions. It’s our iconic symbol and what distinguishes us not only from other football teams but also from England rugby or cricket.
“It’s the thing that I notice when I look in the mirror… but the Three Lions stood out.”
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He continued: “Then I suppose what you’re really asking about the cross of St George is in my head if it’s not a red cross on a white background then it isn’t the cross of St George anyway.
“It’s a hard question to answer really because presumably it’s some artistic take which I’m not creative enough to understand.”
Some fans have claimed England Under-21 star Harvey Elliott showed his opinion by wearing his shirt’s collar up and hiding the new-look cross during a Euro U21 qualifier in Azerbaijan earlier today.
Another red flag with the kit was the diabolical price tag placed on the kit.
Both the men’s and women’s match shirts are retailing at £124.99, while the children’s match top is retailing at a slightly lower £119.
Meanwhile, a slightly cheaper stadium top has been priced at £84.99, while the kid’s jersey is £64.99.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Labour’s Keir Starmer blasted the prices, saying that they need to be reduced.
He said: “I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change in the first place.
“They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”
In response, earlier today Nike said: “We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and understand 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.
“Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements.
“The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.
“The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar.”
Meanwhile, Southgate confirmed a triple injury blow with captain Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer all out of tomorrow’s game through injury.
However, he added: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for other players.
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“We need to see other players ahead of the Euros… It’s great exercise and opportunity.”
Southgate also called speculation linking him to the Manchester United job “disrespectful” to Erik ten Hag and said he had “no interest” in discussing it due to his position as president of the League Managers Association.
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Tony Robertson
