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The English Football Association have issued a statement defending the design of England’s new home kit after some fans criticised the decision to change the colours of St George’s Cross.

The kit, which will be worn by the Three Lions during the upcoming European Championships, features a ‘playful’ take on the St George’s Cross, which is made up of a combination of red, navy, light blue and purple.

Some fans have voiced their anger over the design while high-profile public figures, including the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, have also questioned the decision to alter England’s flag.

It’s understood neither the FA or Nike are considering a recall of the shirt, which went on sale on Monday. And the former released a statement addressing the controversy on Friday afternoon.

An FA spokesperson said: “The new England 2024 Home kit has a number of design elements which were meant as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup winning team. The coloured trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, and the same colours also feature on the design on the back of the collar. It is not the first time that different coloured St George’s cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts.

“We are very proud of the red and white St George’s cross — the England flag. We understand what it means to our fans, and how it unites and inspires, and it will be displayed prominently at Wembley tomorrow — as it always is — when England play Brazil.”  On the Nike website, the American sportswear giant describes the design on the reverse of the shirt’s collar as “a playful update to the [cross] of St. George appears on the collar to unite and inspire.”

The Prime Minister became the latest person to question the design on Friday. He said: “When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them because they’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”

Sunak’s verdict comes in the wake of comments made by Labour leader Keir Starmer, who called for the shirt to be scrapped. He also took aim at the excessive £130 retail price.

England are set to wear the new kits in this week’s international double-header. Gareth Southgate’s side will host Brazil and Belgium at Wembley today and Tuesday respectively. — Mirror.