The Football Association has defended the decision to change the colours of the St George’s cross on the back of England’s new home shirt.

On the back of the collar of the new kit, the traditional red cross of the England flag has been replaced with a purple and blue colourway that has been designed as a throwback to the training gear of previous years, including the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

The decision to alter the colours of the flag has proven to be a controversial one. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged Nike not to “mess” with the flag, while many fans have voiced frustrations online. A petition calling for the original flag to be used instead has picked up a significant number of signatures.

The FA released a statement acknowledging the importance of the original flag, but also standing by the decision to change the colours on the new kit.

“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 FA statement read.

“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.”

A Nike statement added: “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.”