It’s much ado about nothing – John Barnes

Fans up and down the country have expressed their anger over what they call Nike’s ‘woke’ attempt at updating the official England shirt, with many calling for the kit to be ditched and the traditional red and white of the St George’s Cross reinstated.

However, former England winger John Barnes believes the issue has been completely blown out of proportion.

“I don’t get involved in culture wars any more but this whole furore… I didn’t even know there was a St George’s Cross,” he told the PA news agency at a Forever Reds golf day ahead of the Liverpool Legends’ game against Ajax on Saturday, which was expected to raise over £1million for the LFC Foundation.

“If they were going to change the three lions then that’s a debate to be had. I don’t see what the fuss is. I think it’s much ado about nothing.

“They are not changing the colour of the shirt, the lions are still there.

If they were going to change the national flag for England and change the colours then that’s a proper debate to have.”

Current England midfielder Declan Rice and Lionesses striker Alessia Russo have also expressed their support on the updated design, telling England Football they rated the new kit as 10 out of 10.

Defending the US company’s decision to release the new jerseys with their fresh take on the St George’s Cross, a Nike spokesperson previously told media outlets: “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.”