TWO of England’s potential 2026 World Cup kits have been LEAKED online with just months to go until the tournament – and there is a MAJOR change.
In a move away from the current strip, also made by Nike, that caused outrage after an alteration made to the St George’s Cross, it is back to basics for the home version.
The unsurprisingly white top includes a navy trim around the collar and sleeves.
In images released by Footy Headlines, intricate white and red detailing is shown around the neck and arms in an ode to the country’s flag.
However, following on from backlash towards the ‘woke’ blue and purple cross on the back of the collar for the current kit, there is no sign of such a dramatic design this time round.
Instead, on the inside of the shirt is a nod to the national anthem.
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The words “happy and glorious” are included where a tag would usually be beneath the collar.
There is also a curved red patch underneath both arms on either side which moves up in a slim line up the back.
The chest is added to with a random textured pattern of various shapes.
England will also wear one gold star above their badge in America as a reminder of the 1966 World Cup triumph.
It is likely to be partnered with white socks and white shorts, although navy shorts will also be available at the tournament if required.
When the most recent shirt was released in 2024 it caused outrage for not sticking to the plain red on the historic cross.
Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them because they’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”
Keir Starmer also weighed in, saying: “The flag’s unifying, it doesn’t need to change.
“We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back.”
Nike and England did not make a recall on the shirt and the decision was mocked and criticised online with many labelling it as ‘woke.’
The sportswear giants said: “The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.”
Now, the most radical change has come on the warm-up tops.
Nike have teamed up with clothing brand Palace to create a unique stained-glass window effect.
The shirt is mainly black, white, and grey with a picture of what appears to be a saint on the front.
It is not entirely clear what the kit will be used for but it is certainly a move away from previous attire.
The leak adds that England will wear white shorts and white socks for the tournament but that a second pair of navy shorts will be available if needed.
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