Ex-England player smoking ‘woke’ cross on football shirt is like ‘erasing history’

A FORMER England star has claimed the new ‘woke’ Three Lions shirt is ‘erasing history’.

Brian Deane, who played as a forward from 1985 to 2006, called the design of the new kit “ridiculous”.

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The Three Lions comics were unveiled on Monday, with the traditional red cross changed to a navy blue, light blue and purple.

It is believed to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit, which featured blue, red and purple.

But the change led to fans, pundits and legends calling the shirt ‘woke’, while calling on the manufacturer to return to the usual colours.

Brian, who won three caps for England, is the latest name to join the comic.

The ex-striker told The Sun: “Some people would say it’s just a minor detail, but personally I think there are some things that should just be left as they are.

“Sometimes when you try to progress and develop it doesn’t always suit everyone, and certainly from the perspective of someone like me who has played for England, the St. George’s Cross has always been red, and a lot of people from a older age The generation will take offense to that, and I can understand why.

“I don’t see why there is a need to change this. It’s almost like you’re trying to erase what things have been like in the past, and I don’t think it’s appropriate in this case.

“It’s very symbolic for a lot of people in this country and for whatever reason, branding or fashion, I don’t think it’s relevant and I think they scored an own goal to be honest.

“It’s just something that makes people feel like their rights are being eroded, and it’s quite inflammatory as you can see from the responses.”

However, Nike said the new new shirt and ‘woke’ cross will NOT be recalled by the FA – despite a huge backlash.

It is understood the flag change was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.

And the FA insists the decision was made to “honor the classic 1966 training kit color scheme”.

The FA told The Sun: “The new England 2024 home kit features a number of design elements intended to pay tribute to the 1966 World Cup winning team.

“The colored piping on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, and the same colors can also be found in the design on the back of the collar.

“It is not the first time that different colored St George’s-inspired designs have been used on England shirts.

“We are very proud of the red and white St. George’s cross, the English flag.

“We understand what it means to our fans, and how it unites and inspires, and it will be prominently displayed at Wembley tomorrow – as always – when England play Brazil.”

Earlier today, football legends including Harry Redknapp, Peter Shilton and David Seaman gave their thoughts on the saga.

Redknapp this morning branded the decision “an absolute disgrace”.

He said: “I’ve seen a lot of own goals in my time but this has to be the worst ever.

“Who the hell thought this was a good idea? It’s the cross of Saint George, red and white…would Nike do this with another country’s national flag?

“It’s something that should be respected, not changed for a bit of playful fun, as they say.

“I think it’s an absolute shame. I hope they understand it and think about it again.”

Former England goalkeeper Shilton has also had his say, announcing he was “completely against” the new shirt.

And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also rejected the new equipment.

Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Seaman, who played 75 times for his country, said “leave it alone”.

He said: “It doesn’t need to be fixed. What now? Are they going to turn the Three Lions into three cats? Leave it alone.

“It’s the St. George’s flag. Leave him alone. I’m sure if they had approached the boys and asked about it, they would have said no. Just leave him alone.’

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer called on Nike to change the color back to the traditional red.

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