Why are England players wearing blue shorts at the Women’s World Cup 2023?
England made history last year with their stunning victory on home soil at Euro 2022 handing the Lionesses their first-ever major trophy. The all-white kit from 12 months ago has now gone down as one of English football’s most iconic designs – alongside that from the winning men’s team from the 1966 World Cup.
However, Sarina Wiegman’s team will look slightly different for their Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign in Australia and New Zealand, with the players wearing blue shorts instead of white. But what exactly is the reason behind the change in colour? Here is everything you need to know as England eye World Cup glory.
Why are England players wearing blue shorts?
England have switched to blue shorts due to long-standing concerns players had about wearing white shorts during their periods. Whilst the Football Association has not officially announced any reason behind the colour change, the lobbying from the England players is believed to have been the driving force behind the move.
Defender Lucy Parker, who is not part of the squad Down Under, welcomed the news when it was first announced back in April. Parker said: ‘Anything that relieves the mental stress of the players is a good thing. If it’s one less thing to worry about, then why not?’
Beth Mead, who will not be taking part in the World Cup after rupturing her ACL for Arsenal last November, revealed last summer that she had been in talks with Nike to share the concerns of the England team.
‘It’s very nice to have an all-white kit, but sometimes it’s not practical when it’s that time of the month,’ the Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament said. ‘We deal with it [menstruation] as best as we can but we discussed the shorts issue together as a team and fed our views through to Nike.’
The shorts worn by the Lionesses will also involve an innovative ‘ultra thin short liner’ which has been designed by Nike to absorb any leaking blood.
England group stage fixtures
- England vs Haiti (Saturday, July 22, 10.30am BST)
- England vs Denmark (Friday, July 28, 9.30am BST)
- China vs England (Tuesday, August 1, 12pm BST)
Nike’s Women’s Global Sport Apparel Jordana Katcher said of the design: ‘We are thrilled to offer this new innovation to all athletes playing for Nike-sponsored federations this summer.
‘Professional footballers play two 45-minute halves without breaks or time-outs. Many told us they can spend several minutes on-pitch concerned that they may experience leakage from their period.
‘When we showed them this innovation, they told us how grateful they were to have this short to help provide confidence when they can’t leave the pitch.’
The Manchester City and West Brom women’s teams have also changed their shorts from white to burgundy and navy shorts respectively. Players at Wimbledon this year were also able to wear black undershorts beneath their white shorts to alleviate period anxiety.
Follow Metro across our social channels
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below