Build-up to Euro 2024 has been somewhat overshadowed by a St George’s Cross row sparked by kit manufacturer Nike’s decision to alter the English national flag on the back of the new England shirt.
Even the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had his say, suggesting Nike “should not mess” with the St George’s Cross.
Nike has altered the cross using purple and blue horizontal stripes in what it called a “playful update” to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024. The US firm said the colours were inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winners.
But the changes have caused uproar, with traditionalists up in arms.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Nike to reconsider, and told The Sun: “I’m a big football fan, I go to England games, men and women’s games, and the flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn’t need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it.
“So, I think they should just reconsider this and change it back. I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change it in the first place.”
Who are in England’s Euro 2024 group?
England are in Group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia.
What is the tournament format?
The top two teams from each group of four will qualify for the round of 16, along with the four best third-place teams. The tournament will then follow a one-leg knock-out format until the champion is crowned in the final.
What are England’s Euro 2024 group fixtures?
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June 16: vs Serbia, Gelsenkirchen, 8pm (BST), BBC
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June 20: vs Denmark, Frankfurt, 5pm (BST), BBC
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June 25: vs Slovenia, Cologne, 8pm (BST), ITV
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How do I buy England tickets?
Fans can apply for tickets for any team via the Uefa Euro 2024 ticket portal.
What is the latest England news?
By Mike McGrath
Gareth Southgate has defended picking John Stones for successive England matches after he suffered an injury against Belgium in the second of two pre-Euro 2024 friendles.
Stones suffered an adductor injury and was forced off in the 10th minute against Belgium, with Manchester City facing an anxious wait over his fitness ahead of the Premier League title clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
City also saw Kyle Walker suffer a hamstring injury at the weekend against Brazil, with Stones playing the full match in that defeat. But Southgate pointed out that other players in the title race have also played twice for their countries during the break and playing Stones was not a risk.
“We measure everything and the first game for him wasn’t a game that was a high level in terms of the intensity,” he said. “We have done exactly what Holland did with Virgil van Dijk. What Norway did with Erling Haaland and [Martin] Odegaard starting them again. Holland also started (Nathan) Ake again.
“So it only ever seems to fall on us when there is a question around that. Of course we are disappointed if he’s got a problem, it seems to be in the adductor area so we’ll have to wait and see. John also came in on the back of the back of not having played for two weeks so it is not an overload situation. But I hate sending players back to their clubs if they are not fully fit.”
Southgate has called his current injury crisis the worst he has suffered as England manager and after losing Walker and Harry Maguire at the weekend had to revise his plans for using players. Six of his team against Belgium started at the weekend.
What does England’s new kit look like?
An “authentic” version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children while a “stadium” version is £84.99 and £64.99 for children.
A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.
“The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple. The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St George on the back of the collar.”
What are England’s odds to win Euro 2024?
Take a look at these Euro 2024 betting offers and free bets
