Usually, when we get a hole in our sock, it's time they go in the bin - so why are the England footballers purposely cutting holes in their socks for matches? As the Euro's excitement builds ahead of England's semi-final match against The Netherlands, the nail-biting tournament has left the country on the edge of its seats, but fans may have noticed the peculiar players' fashion choices while on the pitch. Despite it looking as if their socks have seen better days, it could actually be beneficial to the players. With many fans wondering if it's a fashion choice or perhaps a wardrobe blunder, it's actually a clever move from the players to help them enhance their mobility on the pitch and perform better according to physiotherapist Nicki de Leona.
Football socks are designed to be tight to cover their leg muscles and keep them warm. They also help to keep shin pads in place to protect them during the game. However, they can also be quite restrictive.
Nicki said the players are making the holes to "maximise blood flow to their muscles and in particular their calves" by giving them more room to expand, according to BBC . Jude Bellingham , Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher are among the England players who have taken to their socks to cut the holes. Nicki stated that the players feel as if the holes let them perform better "without restriction" and help to reduce pressure on calf muscles.
Top-level athletes will always try and get a "little extra advantage" the physiotherapist adde.
