John Barnes brands England Nike kit furore 'meaningless' as he can't help but smirk at furious backlash

John Barnes couldn't hide his amusement at the "meaningless" furore surrounding the England kit discourse dominating the headlines.

Manufacturers Nike have sparked a viral stooshie with the announcement of the new kit for the 2024/25 cycle which includes a small St George's Cross on the back on which the colours have been changed to a blend of blues, reds and purples. Nike say it's a "playful update" designed to "unite and inspire" - but it's been met with furious backlash with even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer calling on them to change it to a conventional red and white cross.

Both Nike and the FA have released statements defending the subtle change which is intended as an homage to England match and training kits from years gone by. And despite the furious debate, which has been reported cynically by many major media outlets, it's believed sales have been strong and the kit will still be worn at Euro 2024 as planned.

Many fans have in fact voiced more dissent at the £125 price tag on the adult kits than the small change on the nape of the neck. And Liverpool hero and former Celtic boss Barnes, one of England's all-time great players, doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

He told PLZ: "I don't get involved in culture wars any more because they're meaningless. I'll tell you why, because this whole furore... I didn't even know there was a St George's Cross (on the kit). If they were going to change the Three Lions logo then that's a debate to be had, but the little cross on the back, I didn't even know it was there. I can't see what the fuss it.

"They're not changing anything about the shirt. The shirt is exactly the same. The Lions are there, if there were different lions or no lions