Jude Bellingham was a big part of England reaching the Euro 2024 final, but not all the talk has been about his performances.
The Three Lions star has started all seven of the country’s games in Germany with lots of holes in the back of his socks, leading to fans questioning whether it’s a new fashion statement.
It hasn’t just been Bellingham either, with Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher also appearing with holes in the back of their socks at the tournament.
As weird as it looks, this isn’t a new thing, as players all over the world have been cutting their kit over the last few years.
So with the trend growing in popularity, talkSPORT.com takes a look at why they do it…
Why do players cut holes in their socks?
Strange as it may sound, England stars and the rest cut holes in their socks to reduce the chances of an injury.
Football socks come right up to below the knee – unless you’re Jack Grealish – and that helps to keep shin pads in place while keeping the legs warm too.
However, it can also reduce blood flow and circulation in the lower leg if too tight.
If that happens to a player, the risk of cramping up increases.
So, to combat it, they sometimes cut holes in their socks to relieve some pressure on the muscles and loosen them up.
Kyle Walker is another England player who has commonly been seen with holes in his socks and he explained his reasoning in 2021.
“The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves,” he revealed.
“It was just to release my calves – or release the tension.
“I just cut holes in them and all of a sudden I had a few alright games, and I was like, ‘Ok, I’m keeping this now!”
The style may look silly on the pitch but the benefits are obvious and there is no surprise that so many stars are deciding to do it.
News Summary:
- Why do England stars Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka cut holes in their socks when playing? Fans baffled by unique kit change
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