England Women head coach Sarina Wiegman described England's new kit as "very beautiful" amid controversy over the modification made to the St. George's cross displayed on the shirt collar.
The Football Association and manufacturers Nike have faced fierce backlash from various corners of the sport and government sphere for their revised design, which altered the traditional red and white cross of St. George to include colours navy, light blue and purple.
Amid criticisms, Nike described the alteration as a "playful update" on the flag, adding that the new design harked back to England's 1966 World Cup winners.
However, several fans, commentators and government officials remain disgruntled over the updated kit, branding the design "woke".
Wiegman did not share these concerns, instead declaring that she thought the kit was "very beautiful."
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"There has been a lot of discussions around that," the England boss said of the recent uproar. "I think the kit is very, very beautiful. It looks really good. I always really like the crest (badge), the beautiful one. Of course we have that white shirt so I would like to keep it with that. I’m happy with that, we’re playing in it. I'm looking to seeing the team in it."
Wiegman went on to discuss the practical updates made to the shirt, including new technology which will help control players' sweat levels during play.
She was speaking after announcing her 23-player squad set to embark on the upcoming Euro 2025 qualification campaign as the reigning European champions face World Cup semi-finalists Sweden and Republic of Ireland.
The big news is the return of Arsenal defender Leah Williamson to the squad after pulling out of last month’s squad due to a hamstring injury. The Lionesses captain has not played for her country since rupturing her ACL in April last year.
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is back in the squad (The FA via Getty Images)Only Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier was absent from the 23-player squad named earlier this year during England's warm weather training camp in Spain, replaced by Millie Turner.
During her press conference, Wiegman was also asked about player-coach relationships in women's football amid ongoing controversies, including the suspension of Leicester City boss Willie Kirk earlier this month pending an investigation into an alleged relationship with a player.
Wiegman was steadfast in her convictions that such relationships should not be permitted.
"I think player-coach relationships are very inappropriate," she said. "I think we should not accept that. That's not healthy. That is basically what it is. I think in our environment, it's a professional environment, it is all about performing and it should always be safe.
"Things can happen but it's inappropriate and we all should be very aware of that. It is common sense. We all know that if we are in this environment, that is really inappropriate. I think if we all take our responsibility, then things wouldn't happen."
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