Fans divided over controversial shirt as England lose friendly

Sky News

Updated 24 March 2024 at 3:11 am·3-min read

Hundreds of England football fans were seen wearing the side's new shirt as they attended the team's match against Brazil last night - as opinions remained split over the controversial kit.

One supporter attending the friendly at London's Wembley Stadium said the Football Association (FA) should "burn" the tops - while another young fan shrugged off the row, saying they still showed the "same England flag".

It comes after sportswear giant Nike reimagined the St George's Cross on the back of the shirt's collar - replacing some of the red with shades of purple and blue.

The company said it was not its "intention to offend" after some expressed outrage over the change.

Sky Sports News was told the FA had no intention of withdrawing the kit, while England manager Gareth Southgate dismissed the row by saying it was not "high on my list of priorities".

The controversy did not appear to put off hundreds of fans who were seen wearing the newly-released shirts as they walked into Wembley ahead of kick-off on Saturday - with Saka and Kane the most popular names on the back.

Speaking outside the stadium, eight-year-old Sully said he thought the new blue and purple cross on the shirt "looked good".

After travelling hundreds of miles with his family from North Tyneside to attend the match, he said of the controversy: "I don't really care because it's still the same England flag."

However, England fan Judith Gibbons, from Huddersfield, said the colour switch "shouldn't have been made", adding: "I don't think you should be messing with tradition."

Ms Gibbons said the shirts "should be taken back" by the FA, adding: "I think they should burn them."

England lost the game to a late second-half goal scored by Brazilian teenager Endrick.

Fans voiced their frustration on X following the defeat - with some taking the opportunity to criticise the shirt.

One social media commenter said they were "really pleased" England suffered a defeat because the players had worn an "abomination of a shirt". The man added he would be boycotting Nike as a result.

However, others mocked those who believed the shirt had an impact on the result, with comedian Alistair Green writing: "Pretty obvious why England are playing bad... Maguire clearly missed that header because he was thinking about an end to fossil fuels.

"Chilwell fumbling the ball because he's daydreaming about Marxism. I will never forgive Nike for this."

After Nike unveiled the kit, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned the company to "not mess" with the flag while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the firm to "reconsider" the design.

Labour's shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry told Sky News: "It's all very peculiar. The England flag is a symbol of unity... you wouldn't expect Nike to go off and have a look at the Welsh flag and decide to change the dragon to a pussycat."

The pricing of the shirt has also faced criticism after it was launched earlier this week.

An "authentic" version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children, while a "stadium" version is prices at £84.99 and £64.99 for children.

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