It’s been over a century since the England football shirt has included in its design the three lions, accompanied by ten roses. It’s more than just a simple logo, this emblem is full of history. This article goes into the story that’s behind the emblem that you can see on the England top in their football kits. Where does it comes from? And how did it stand the test of time so flawlessly? The origins and evolution of the crest doesn’t have to be a mystery to you anymore!
The Royal Origins on the England Football Shirt
For those that don’t know, on the top-right on the England football shirt, there is an emblem that depends three lions, one above the other, surrounded by scattered roses. But, the story of the three lions is a royal one; specifically connected to the royal arms of the 12th century. This symbol has its roots in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, or Kind Richard the I. He ruled between 1189 to 1199, and his royal coat’s arms featured three golden lions. This image became the symbol of the English monarchy. It used to symbolize nobility, strength, and dominance.
Monarchs before Richard also had variations of lions imagery, but it was usually just two lions. Richard the Lionheart, who saw himself as a warrior ruler, made sure that everyone knew that the three lions are a symbol of the English monarchy. The lion is known as the king of the jungle, or the king of the beasts, and that’s why it’s such a powerful symbol. It’s the type of symbol that you can see in a lot of places, specifically because it symbolizes strength and power. And, if you want to have a strong monarchy, you need an emblem that speaks for itself! So, that’s what the Football Association thought of when they put the lions for their England top; a strong football team needs a strong symbol.
It Goes to Become a National Identity
The Football Association adopted the three lions as part of the official emblem in around 1860. The badge was meant to represent patriotism and continuity. The Football Association tapped into a symbol that was centuries old, that people already knew and respected. Over the years, the emblem changed a bit, but only tiny details that were meant to improve the aesthetic of the whole thing. And, no matter what changed when it came to the kits, football, players, and so on, the emblem also remained. The players like wearing it because it shows the people of England that they are proud to represent their country.
The England football shirt is about not hiding your identity, but rather being proud of it. Football was, and always will be, a universal language. It brings people together and it creates a strong sense of identity. Football has influenced movies, music, fashion, and many other industries. That’s exactly why the emblem that a football team carries on the field is of great importance. Football fans like seeing players that are proud to play for their country, and proud to run with a symbol of their country close to their heart. Many fans say, as a joke, that you can judge a country by its football team. And while that might not be true, you sure can judge it based on the kit they wear!
The Red Roses on the England Top
While the three lions were discussed, what’s up with the roses? It’s typically ten Tudor roses, which are a traditional floral emblem of England, which take their name from the House of Tudors. The Tudor rose consists of five red outer petals, and five white inner petals. The symbol of the flower originated from the Wars of the Flowers; a war that took place in the 15th century, and it was a civil war between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. The House of York’s emblem was a white rose, while the House of Lancaster’s emblem was a red rose.
The conflict ended with a marriage, and as a sign of reconciliation, the Tudor rose was created. Therefore, when the Football Association included Tudor roses in the badge, it showed a deeper level of understanding the history and culture of England. While it’s a small symbol, it represents love, unity, and peace. Also, because the rose is pretty and fragile, it complements the power and anger of the lion in a beautiful way. It shows that the football team is ready to show some teeth, and fight for the win; but it’s also a team that cares about peace and love.
There is Some Criticism
Like anything, the badge received some criticism. Over the years, especially coming from politicians and cultural critics, there was some voices that said that the badge on the England top represents some medieval values. Some even said that it represents war, and it romanticized imperialism. Despite the debates and the critics, the badge remained untouched! Both the players and the fans hold the crest hold to their hearths.
In 2022 there was an online debate about replacing the badge with something more modern, that symbolizes other things. But, the backlash from the fans was loud; they like the crest, and believe it’s only fair that the three lions and their roses remain where they have been for centuries! The Football Association and the fans of the England football shirt perceive the emblem as irreplaceable, and representable of the value of English people. The debate only showed how much the fans love the badge, and how it’s actually a symbol that’s important to them. In a way, it actually proved that the values that the badge represents – unity, peace, and strength – are values that the fans are living by in their day-to-day lives.
Conclusion
The England top will probably always have the three lions and ten roses proudly imprinted in its material. The values that it represents are values that the fans of football live by even today. A football team, and therefore its shirt, should symbolizes strength and unity. Football brings people together, and that’s why no one can tell the fans that the badge is offensive. Why? Because they know it’s not; they know exactly what it represents!