An MP said the decision to "play around" with the flag on the new England football kit is "deeply upsetting".

The shirt’s American manufacturer Nike has altered the appearance of the St George’s Cross using purple and blue horizontal stripes in what it called a “playful update” to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.

The new designs were revealed in the lead-up to the friendly with Brazil at Wembley on Saturday, prompting questions from people inside and outside the game.

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Robert Courts, Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire, said: "Hugely upsetting to see England play around with our sacred St George’s cross on the new kit.

Oxford Mail: Robert Courts Robert Courts (Image: Robert Courts MP)

"The St George’s cross is a symbol of our identity and something we should be proud of."

Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have criticised the change.

Mr Sunak warned Nike “should not mess” with the flag, while Sir Keir called for the kit to be changed.

Premier League boss Harry Redknapp said: "Who on earth thought this was a good idea?

"It's the cross of St 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 put it.

"In my book it's an absolute disgrace - I hope they see sense and have a rethink."

England manager Gareth Southgate insisted the Three Lions crest was the most important part of the national team’s shirt.

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The FA said it was “very proud” of the red and white St George’s Cross but gave its support to the new look.

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“The new England 2024 home kit has a number of design elements which were meant as a tribute to the 1966 World Cup-winning team,” a spokesperson said.

“The coloured trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes and the same colours also feature on the design on the back of the collar. It is not the first time that different coloured St George’s Cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts.

“We are very proud of the red and white St George’s Cross – the England flag.

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

Brazil won the game 1-0 thanks to teenager Endrick’s effort on Saturday.