James Cleverly predicts fan boycott of Nike’s controversial England shirt

The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has predicted a fan boycott of Nike’s controversial new national team kit which he says is “not the England shirt”.

The new Euro 2024 design, which includes a cross that is not in the traditional red and white design, was worn for the first time on Saturday despite prompting outrage across the political divide.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned the company to “not mess” with the flag, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the firm to “reconsider” the design.

Cleverly has now joined the debate and, despite plenty of the shirts being on display in the stands at England’s 1-0 defeat by Brazil, believes that fans will hit Nike in the pocket.

“If it’s not a red cross on a white background, it’s not the England shirt,” he told The Mail on Sunday. “It’s not the England flag. I am sure that fans will vote with their feet.”

The shirt, which costs up to £125, has a red, purple and blue cross on the back of the collar.

The Football Association, however, is continuing to defy the revolt, saying that the design was 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,” said a spokesperson. “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.”

Fans held up cards before kick-off on Saturday which together formed a huge red and white St George’s Cross in the stands.

Asked about the flag on the shirts, manager Gareth Southgate said: “My view is if it’s not white with a red cross it’s not the St George’s flag. The most important thing on the England shirt is the Three Lions, really. That is the thing that is iconic, that differentiates us even from the England rugby team or the England cricket team.”

Nike said that it was not its “intention to offend” but to “celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements”.