Tom Wood backs controversial England World Cup kit

England sparked criticism in New Zealand after unveiling their new all-black World Cup Nike strip.

The choice of colour angered former All Black wing Jonah Lomu, who accused the team of replicating the New Zealand kit and “disrespecting” the World Cup hosts as well as previous England squads.

Despite the uproar, England forward Wood has insisted that the England representation remains in the strip.

"It has got the red rose on it and that is all that matters to us," The Telegraph quotes Wood as saying.

"It is a bit of a marketing tactic and will raise a few eyebrows, I am sure.”

The national side will wear the new strip against Wales in their first World Cup warm-up match.