Fans spot what Liverpool star Harvey Elliott did wearing controversial England shirt for first time in 5-1 win for U21s
EAGLE-EYED England fans spotted what Harvey Elliot did while starring for Under-21s.
Liverpool star Elliott starred in the Three Lions Euro U21 qualifying match against Azerbaijan earlier today.
The 20-year-old put in an eye-catching display by bagging a brace with goals either side of half-time in a 5-1 win that also saw Noni Madueke, Jaden Philogene and Archie Gray get on the scoresheet.
However, it was something the midfielder did to his kit which got fans talking on social media.
Elliott could be seen wearing his collar up, therefore covering a St George’s flag on the back of the new kits collar unveiled by manufacturer Nike earlier this week.
Whether Elliott raised his collar in response to the change or as a preference to how he wants to wear the kit is unclear, though he has previously worn shirt collars up when playing for Blackburn.
Reacting on social media one fan compared him to an iconic Manchester United player, saying: “He thinks he’s Cantona.”
A second said: “Eric Cantona will be proud.”
A third added: “Old school collar up.”
The cross in question has sparked debate among fans due to a change made to the colour of the cross – moving from a traditional red and white to a red, blue, purple and pink colour.
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Footie legends – including Peter Shilton, David Seaman and Harry Redknapp – were all left unimpressed with the change, while some fans labelled the change as “woke”.
Many were also left upset by the astronomical £124.99 price tag slapped on the men’s and women’s kit, with children’s tops fetching a slightly lower £119.
Nike said the change was a “playful update” which paid homage to the training kit from 1966 – to date the year England won it’s only major senior men’s tournament.
The FA have also declared the kits will NOT be recalled.
English football‘s governing body 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.”
The Three Lions U21s will be back in action against Luxembourg on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate‘s senior side will be up against Brazil at Wembley tomorrow before hosting Belgium next Tuesday.
Southgate has handed three players, Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon, maiden call ups.