England new kit 2024: Shirt release date, price and St George’s cross saga
ENGLAND’S football team has been making headlines recently for a new kit that has been dividing fans.
Even opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined calls for Nike to scrap the new kit, and Tory PM Rishi Sunak has slammed the strip. But what is all the fuss about?
When will England’s Euro 2024 kit be available to buy?
As England’s football team gears up for glory at the Euros, the kit they will be wearing on the battlefield has finally been unveiled.
Taking to social media to post a picture of the kits, the England account said: “Our England. Our pride. Our family. ”
The men’s collection, which Gareth Southgate’s players will wear at this summer’s Euros, will be released on March 21, while the women’s kits will go on sale in June.
England’s men’s team are expected to debut the home kit when they take on Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, before they host Belgium three days later.
The Lionesses‘ next game is a Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden at Wembley on April 5.
Some fans have been thrilled with the news, hailing the design as an instant classic that is sure to bring football home this year.
While others have determined that the new kit is “too woke” and “too expensive”.
How much is England’s Euro 2024 kit?
Both the men’s and women’s match shirts are retailing at £124.99, while the children’s match top is retailing at a slightly lower £119.
If fans want something a little cheaper they can opt for the stadium top, which has been priced at £84.99, while the kid’s jersey is £64.99.
Kids can also don the full kit for £54.99, while infant kits are currently being priced at £49.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Labour’s Keir Starmer blasted the prices, saying that they need to be reduced.
He said: “I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change in the first place.
“They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”
Why did Nike change the England flag?
Fans were quick to notice that the traditional red cross on the Three Lions’ kit has been altered to one with navy, light blue and purple.
It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit.
The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours.
Goalkeepers David Seaman and Peter Shilton, as well as former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp have all given the shirt substitution a red card.
But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.
A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.
“The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.
“The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St. George on the back of the collar.”
It is understood the flag alteration was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.
And the FA insist the decision was made to “honour the classic colour regime of 1966 training gear”.
Sir Keir told The Sun that the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.
He said: “We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back.”
Which kit will the England team wear?
The home kit is the classic white with a blue collar and blue shorts.
The second strip is all purple and has received widespread praise from fans.
Meanwhile, the keepers will be donning an eye-catching orange jersey.
Although some fans have been left baffled by the away kit – arguing that it’s the new “blue and black dress” optical illusion.
Why is England’s Euro 2024 kit purple?
According to a statement from the England football team, the new match gear has been inspired by old footballing legends.
The team said that “the bold purple colour remixes reds and blues from the past.”
So, it seems as though the team has decided to mix kits from the past, which have traditionally been either blue or red, to bring the team into the future.
Many fans were thrilled with the look of the strips.
One said: “So that’s what Kane will look like when he lifts the Euros trophy this summer.”
While a second responded: “Omg we’re actually winning it all.”
And a third said: “Honestly some of our greatest kits ever.”
Who will be wearing the new kit at the Euros?
Although the official line-up won't be announced until May 21, here are some of the legends we expect to see at the Euros:
Who might not be there:
Bukayo Saka, a fan favourite, has recently had to pull out of the squad due to injury.
Ben White, the Arsenal defender, is “not available” for the Euros – having removed himself from selection.