England stand by Euros jersey despite politicians outcry،
The Football Association (FA) has defended the new England jersey which will be used at this year's European Championship after political criticism over the change to the St George's Cross.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the jersey and called for it to be changed before the tournament.
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The jerseys have been in the spotlight since their launch on Monday. The FA said on Friday the design paid tribute to England's 1966 World Cup-winning team.
“The colored trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training kit worn by England's 1966 heroes, and the same colors also feature on the design on the back of the collar,” an FA spokesperson said .
“This is not the first time that different colored designs inspired by the St. George's Cross have been used on England jerseys.
“We are very proud of the red and white cross of St George, the English flag. We understand what it means to our fans, and how it unites and inspires them, and it will be displayed prominently at Wembley tomorrow – as is always the case. — when England play Brazil.”
The spokesperson added that the FA had no plans to recall or redesign the jerseys, according to ESPN sources.
British media reported Friday that Nike also defended the new design, saying it “disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.”
ESPN has contacted Nike for further comment.
Starmer had said the multi-coloured St George's cross printed on the collar should be replaced with the original white version.
I'm a big football fan, I go to England games, men's and women's games. And the flag is used by everyone, it's unifying, it doesn't need to change,” said Starmer at the Sun.
“We just have to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider that and change it.
“I'm not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they had to change in the first place. They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”
Sunak intervened by saying he prefers the original flag.
“When it comes to our national flags, we should not tamper with them because they are a source of pride, of identity, of who we are, and they are perfect as they are,” Sunak said .
The shirts will retail for £124.99 ($157) for adults and £119.99 ($151) for children. England will wear the new kit for the first time against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.
