England Women have switched to blue shorts over concern about periods. For this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Australia, as well as the Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand in July and August, the Lionesses will wear blue shorts in both their home and away outfits. While the FA did not specify a reason for the change in its media statement, it has long been a source of concern for the Lionesses and other female athletes. England striker Beth Mead said in July that the team had communicated their concerns about white shorts to kit manufacturer Nike, who had finally reacted to their requests.
“This summer, we are excited to provide this new innovation to all athletes competing for Nike-sponsored federations,” Nike VP Jordana Katcher said after England Women switched to blue shorts. “Professional footballers compete in two 45-minute halves with no pauses or timeouts in between. Numerous people told us that they can spend several minutes on-pitch worrying about leaks from their menstruation. As we showed them our invention, they expressed gratitude for having this short to help their confidence when they are unable to leave the pitch.”
Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion’s women’s teams have recently moved to burgundy and navy shorts, respectively, while Ireland’s women’s rugby squad announced a transition to navy blue shorts last month. The topic of female athletes wearing white apparel was also raised at last year’s Wimbledon tennis championships when female players expressed concern about being obliged to wear white during their period. The tennis tournament will make an exemption to its rigorous all-white dress code this year, allowing female players to wear dark-colored undershorts.
Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman has recalled Hannah Hampton and Esme Morgan, while uncapped Lucy Parker returns to the Lionesses squad as they prepare for back-to-back matches against Brazil and World Cup co-hosts Australia in April. Hampton, the twice-capped custodian for Aston Villa, returns for the first time since last summer’s Euros win. Manchester City defender Morgan earned three senior caps in October and November of last year, while West Ham defender Parker is the only uncapped member of the 25-player team.
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