Harry who?! Watkins makes England case as Kane watches on

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

Top 25 African players of the 21st century - ranked

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

Mendes responds to Ronaldo criticism of Portugal players

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Where's Leo?! Messi invisible as Argentina upset by Paraguay

Amorim told he's already made his first mistake at Man Utd

Twellman reportedly investigated for physical altercation

How to watch Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson from anywhere

Indonesia vs Japan: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Re-designed cross sparks backlash</li><li>FA to introduce new approval process</li><li>England face Brazil with new jersey</li></ul>

England Nike kit controversy: FA to introduce major overhaul in approval process following ‘woke’ redesign of St George’s Cross

UEFA Nations League B

England

Ireland

The 2026 England World Cup kit will have to undergo vetting and a number of approvals before it is released for sale, according to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/03/23/england-world-cup-kit-fa-checks-st-georges-cross-row/" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>. The move <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fa-statement-backlash-woke-england-kit-accused-virtue-signalling/blte63db14cb48aabb5" target="_blank">follows this week's controversy</a> surrounding the decision to include a multicoloured St George's Cross on the back of the kit's collar, rather than the traditional red and white - with some even claiming that the design was 'woke'.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The St George's Cross has been displayed in various colours on England kits on a number of occasions and this year's design was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fa-statement-backlash-woke-england-kit-accused-virtue-signalling/blte63db14cb48aabb5" target="_blank">intended to pay homage to the 1966 winning side</a>. However, this has not stopped politicians, fans and ex-players weighing in on the matter. The widespread backlash has forced the FA to approach approving the design of their kits a little more carefully in case people are offended by a minor design detail in the future.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

There had been suggestions that Liverpool player Harvey Elliott had worn his collar up in the England under-21's game against Azerbaijan in protest. However, fans have spotted that when donning a kit with a collar, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/harvey-elliott-england-shirt-evidence-liverpool-star-disrespectful-liverpool-star-collar-covering-flag/blt4f81b2d3fbbd0bcb" target="_blank">Elliott has worn it up previously</a>.

DID YOU KNOW?

England will be hoping to write new headlines as they take on Brazil in their new kit in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday night. The Three Lions will be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-sweating-bukayo-saka-s-fitness-ahead-of-man-city-clash-after-forward-drops-out-england-squad/blt953c810505642985" target="_blank">without star players Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane</a> but will still be hoping to prove their worth against one of the best sides in the world.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

England Nike kit controversy: FA to introduce major overhaul in approval process following ‘woke’ redesign of St George’s Cross | Goal.com

The FA are set to introduce a major overhaul of their kit approval process after controversy surrounding the cross on new England kits&apos; collars.