Brian Deane says that England’s new kit with a blue and red St George’s cross should be altered to the traditional colours of red and white.
Despite there being a long history of changes made to the colours of the flag in different designs going back decades, the new Nike kit has caused an outcry.
Many traditionalists want the kit to be changed, and Deane - who won three England caps in his time as a player - is one of those who thinks they have made a mistake.
Speaking via OnlineCasinosDeutschland.com, Deane said: “Some people would say it’s just a small detail, but personally I think there are some things that should just be kept as they are.
“Sometimes when you try to make advances and develop it doesn’t always suit everybody, and certainly from the point of view of someone like myself who has played for England, the St George's Cross has always been red, and many people of an older generation will take offence to that. I can understand why.
“I don’t see why there is a need to change it, it’s almost like trying to erase how things have been in the past and I don’t think it’s appropriate in this case.
“It’s very symbolic to a lot of people in this country and for whatever branding or fashion, I don’t think it’s relevant and I think they’ve scored an own goal to be honest. It’s just something that people will feel as though they’re rights are eroded away and it’s quite inflammatory as you can see from the backlash.”
Asked if he wanted the kit to be changed back, he added: “Yeah, I think so. The funny thing is they can then re-brand it as a limited edition! But the right thing would be to change it back really. There are too many changes and I’m not a fan.
“From my point of view and for everything that it meant to me and others playing for England, to change it now, it erases a lot of the history of what the shirt meant to many players, including myself.”
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