Women's Euro 2022: the English no longer want to play in white because of menstrual cycles

The problem is not new for sportswomen.

In France, we remember the commitment of judoka Clarisse Agbégnénou to the question of rules.

"How many times during training I had to go to the bathroom to change, for fear of stains on my white kimono...", had thus confided the Olympic champion at the time of launching a range of menstrual panties.

The English internationals, who are playing at home during this Euro, have decided to expose it again by highlighting the discomfort of playing with white shorts during their periods of menstruation.

Arsenal striker Beth Mead, who scored the competition's first goal in the opening game against Austria (1-0) in front of 68,871 people, told the Telegraph: "We have raised this issue at Nike.

We hope they will change that (Editor's note: color).

It's great to have an all white set but sometimes it's not practical when it falls during our menstrual cycle.

We try to deal with it as best we can.

»

The English Federation immediately reacted by recognizing “the importance of this question”.

Quoted by the Telegraph, an FA spokesperson assured the players of its "full support in this regard".

"Any feedback from them will be considered for future designs," he added.

We will continue to work closely with our partner Nike, while following the advice of tournament organizers where possible in terms of color choices.

»

But even if they have red outside shorts, the English will play all white again this Monday against Norway (9 p.m.).

"I congratulate the English"

The subject was invited to the France team.

In a press conference on the eve of the entry of the Bleues into the competition, this Sunday against Italy (9 p.m., TF1, Canal +), Wendie Renard, the captain, was asked what she thought of the position of the English against these white shorts that the French wore during their preparation matches against Cameroon (4-0) and Vietnam (7-0).

“Honestly, it's not bad because indeed, maybe not for you… but your mom or your sisters, it's not easy, answered the captain.

But then we adapt.

We are high level players and we know that unfortunately we have that.

It's part of our life.

But it's true that it's a good thing, I congratulate the English for that.

»

For their first two meetings, against the Italians and then the Belgians next Thursday, the French will play in a new set: (new) blue jersey, blue shorts and blue stockings.

On the 18th, against Iceland, they will however be in their white kit, as against Vietnam in Orléans.