The new shirt that the England national football team will wear in this summer’s European championships (EURO 2024) has been revealed, and I am appalled to see kit makers Nike boast of the ‘playful update’ to St George’s cross due to appear on their design.

This millenium-old piece of heraldry has been identified with the English for centuries. It speaks to the heroic resolve of our patron Saint George, the pride taken in overcoming evildoers in great acts of service, and the ancient Christian tradition of this land and people. It is a symbol that encapsulates the virtues that make us English, and which characterise this nation on the international stage. 

This is a symbol that has stood the test of time. England is an ancient land whose civilisation has stood firm in the face of the political instability that characterises most other European countries. This is celebrated by St George’s cross: a consistent feature on English livery while France and Germany amongst others have abandoned such displays of heritage. The uninterrupted continuity of our history and cultural tradition sets us apart from our neighbours, a point of distinction that is all the more apparent as the Home of Football takes on these friends on the pitch. 

St George’s cross is not uniquely English. Through shared Christian heritage with our international neighbours, it often surprises fans to see it on the crests of A.C. Milan, and F.C. Barcelona. Never mind its repetition on Georgia’s flag! While distinguishing us from our international friends, it is also a shared symbol of deeper meaning that fosters unity. It is as ludicrous to suggest that the Cross be ‘playfully updated’ on Barcelona and Milan’s kits as what Nike and the FA propose for England here.  

It is hard to view this move as anything short of political. While the FA may think that this move distances English football from nationalist elements, it does not take a political eye to see that this is divisive. This is a symbol that has united sworn enemies in club football throughout the history of the game to take great pride together in achievements in their nation’s name. It is the shared icon of English football across all levels and demographics, transcending social class with a shared interest for Englishmen up and down the country. Changing this symbol to something unrecognisable strips the shared heritage that brings together this nation’s native diversity, and can only be damaging. 

I would love to buy this new shirt, but cannot while it shows the Cross of St George defaced. Therefore I ask you to sign this petition to make the FA and Nike realise their error here: to inform them that they have deeply offended English fans, look wildly out of touch with the fans, and to show that the English people and our ancient affinity for football refuse to be erased.

Please change the shirt.

Either use the appropriate, all-red St George’s Cross, or don’t use it at all!

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