‘Playful update’ to national debate: England kit has begun a culture war
Controversial change to St George’s Cross on new shirt has led to criticism from the prime minister but hasn’t put off shoppers
On Monday it was just another piece of merchandise, by Friday it was a topic of national debate. Everyone from the prime minister to a King (of the Jungle) had their say on the controversial artefact, one which, miraculously, seemed to provoke reactions that conformed to people’s pre-existing views. It was the magic eye of England kits, the most divisive in history, and by all accounts it’s been flying off the shelves.
Five days after the sportswear giant Nike posted a string of tweets in which it announced a “playful update” to the flag of St George on the back of England’s new home kit, the men’s national team coach was dragged into the debate.
