Nike’s new England men’s soccer shirt is causing a stir with its recolored flag

By PAN PYLAS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The decision by Nike to change the color of the St. George’s Cross on the new England men’s soccer shirt from the traditional red and white is causing controversy. The new shirt is being rolled out in the run-up to the European Championship in Germany. The altered cross on the shirt collar has been redesigned using purple and blue horizontal stripes. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says, “When it comes to our national flags we shouldn’t mess with them.” The leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, urges a rethink. England coach Gareth Southgate says, “If it is not a red cross and a white background then it isn’t a cross of St. George anyway.” Nike and the English FA have indicated they are not going to change tack.