In a surprising move, Nike has faced severe backlash for a subtle change made to the England national soccer jerseys for 2024. The alteration involves the St. George's cross, traditionally red with a white background, which typically appears on the back collar of the England kit.

For the upcoming edition, Nike decided to give the cross a colorful twist, incorporating shades of red, black, purple, pink, and blue. The sportswear giant claimed it was a "playful update" meant to "unite and inspire." However, many critics have accused Nike of pandering to the LGBTQ+ community, suggesting that the change is nothing more than a woke nod.

What raised eyebrows was Nike's decision to completely remove the St. George's cross from the collar of the kit and replace it with a multicolored design, leaving fans bewildered and disappointed. This alteration has not only caused outrage among supporters of the English national team but has also drawn criticism from British politicians.

One such politician, Clarke-Smith, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "I'm not sure what this is supposed to be, but it certainly looks nothing like our flag, and I'm not sure it needs an 'update' either. That said, I doubt they'll shift many at those sort of prices."

The controversy quickly spread on social media with fans blasting Nike for the change. The decision to alter the national team's kit has sparked a heated debate among supporters, highlighting their deep attachment to traditional symbols and national identity.

It is worth noting that while this controversy unfolded, some social media users drew attention to the fact that Nike did not attempt to alter or remove the United States flag from the American national jersey, leading to accusations of unequal treatment.

As the debate escalates, Nike may find itself facing an uphill battle to restore the trust of fans and appease critics. The controversy surrounding the alteration to the England national soccer jerseys raises questions about the balance between modernization and preserving the integrity of national symbols.

With the 2024 edition of the England kit already stirring controversy, it remains to be seen how Nike will respond to this intense public backlash.