England stars Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka have become known for a unique on-field tradition: cutting holes in their socks. Despite criticism from some quarters, including a prominent British presenter, this practice is not against any football laws.
The Three Lions have secured their place in the Euro 2024 final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on July 11, thanks to a late goal from Ollie Watkins. This sets up an exciting final against Spain.
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Jude Bellingham has been instrumental in England’s journey, rescuing the team during their Round of 16 clash against Slovakia with a stunning bicycle kick. Although UEFA banned him for one game for his celebration, Bellingham’s impact on the pitch has been undeniable. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka shone in the quarter-final against Switzerland, orchestrating the game and scoring in the penalty shootout that followed a tense match.
Fans have noticed that Bellingham and Saka, alongside Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, are among the players who cut holes in their socks. This practice has faced backlash, notably from British presenter Richard Keys, who has called for the Premier League to ban what he deems as ‘nonsense.’
There is a practical reason behind this trend. For players with large leg muscles, tight socks can be restrictive and affect blood flow. Cutting holes in the socks allows for better muscle ‘breathability,’ which is crucial during high-intensity runs and movements on the pitch. This adjustment helps prevent discomfort and potential muscle issues.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, on the other hand, opts to wear low socks and small shin pads to avoid such problems. He mentioned in an interview with GQ that larger socks tend to shrink during training, which is inconvenient.
In other news, England’s semi-final against the Netherlands featured a contentious penalty awarded after an on-field VAR review. Dutch captain Virgil Van Dijk and his team were puzzled by the decision, which penalized Denzel Dumfries for a follow-through on Harry Kane. Initially, referee Felix Zwayer declined the penalty but changed his decision after reviewing the footage.
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As England prepares for the final against Spain, the team’s unconventional methods and high-stakes moments continue to capture the football world’s attention.
