Alternative US flag created in response to England kit changes

A UK flag maker has created its own version of the US flag in response to Nike's colourful interpretation of the St George's Cross on England's new kit.

A row over the 2024 home kit erupted on Thursday, with politicians and sports figures weighing in on the topic.

Nike said its design was to celebrate the 1966 World Cup team, adding it was "never our intention to offend".

Lincolnshire-based Newton Newton Flags Ltd suggested Nike leave "the flags to us" and stick to ticks on plimsolls.

Manufacturer Nike has changed the cross of St George, with its horizontal bar now a combination of blues and purples rather than the red of the original flag.

To be be worn by England's men's, women's and para teams, Nike described it as "a playful interpretation" and an attempt to "unite and inspire".

Newton Newton company director Tracy Turner said Nike "should have stuck to red and white".

She said the mocked-up image of the American flag was intended to be "very tongue-in-cheek", but conveyed a serious message.

People in the US would rightly not tolerate "anyone messing with their flag", and the same courtesy should be extended to the cross of St George, she said.

"It's been like that for hundreds of years," she added.

Ms Turner said her late father, who founded the firm in 1975, had always said "nothing will stir up emotion more than a flag".

The new design of the cross has attracted criticism from fans, along with the prime minister and opposition leader.

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he does not agree with the changes, saying "I'm a traditionalist".

However, England midfielder Declan Rice and Lionesses striker Alessia Russo have both rated the new kit as 10 out of 10.

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Nike said the shirt, launched ahead of Euro 2024, includes "a playful update to the cross of St George" which "appears on the collar to unite and inspire".

A Nike spokesperson told media outlets: "The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic," inspired by the training kit worn by England's 1966 World Cup winners.

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