Nike Faces Backlash as England Football Kit Alteration Ignites Debate

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer have criticized Nike redesign of England’s football team kit, which alters the traditional St George’s Cross with additional colors. Sunak emphasized the importance of national flags as symbols of pride and identity while Frazer echoed sentiments about respecting national heritage. Despite the backlash, Nike stands by their design which they describe as a modern take on tradition.

Various figures including Labour leader Keir Starmer and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton oppose the changes while others such as midfielder Declan Rice and Lionesses striker Alessia Russo support the new design. The debate has sparked passionate responses from the public with opinions ranging from staunch traditionalism to acceptance of modernization.

The controversy extends to the cost of the kits and historical context surrounding England’s kit designs. Despite differing views, the new kits are set to be worn for upcoming matches referencing the 1966 World Cup-winning team’s training kit.