England have provided many incredible memories for their fans so far in the European Championship, rallying from seemingly impossible positions to go all the way to the final of the tournament in Germany.
Gareth Southgate's team looked riddled with problems, but when the time came, the Three Lions rose to the challenge. Just like they did against the Netherlands in the semi-final as they came back from a goal down to secure victory at the stroke of 90 minutes through a stunning effort from substitute Ollie Watkins.
England fans have had to develop nerves of steel watching their team leave it late to get over the finish line – they are the first team in European Championship history to reach the final despite trailing in both the last 16, quarter-final and semi-final.
And fans must have also spotted another trend among some of their players in the tournament – large holes in their socks.
It is a strange addition to the game, but is a quick fix to a problem that can be serious if not attended to in time.
Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher have all been spotted wearing socks with gaping holes in them, leading to questions about the utility of them.
Why do football players cut holes in their socks?
First, let's look at the problem. Football players are some of the most well-trained athletes in the world, with their legs requiring incredible levels of conditioning. That means highly developed calf muscles, among others.
While a lot of attention goes in the development of their footwear, not a lot of thought had been given to the apparel covering their legs.
The socks footballers wear during matches need to cover their calves as it also has to contain the shin pads. That means they must be fairly tight.
That can lead to reduced blood circulation as muscles swell after constant running. So players have started cutting holes in their socks to ensure the skin can breathe and there is easier blood circulation.
England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has been wearing socks with holes in for years. Back in 2021, he explained the rationale behind it, saying: "The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves. 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!'"
Do other sports use similar strategy?
Cutting holes in playing gear is seen in cricket as well. There, fast bowlers have been known to cut holes in the shoes to reduce the strain on their toes.
Fast bowlers are known to push five to eight times their body weight through their knees at the time of delivery. That means their landing foot bears the brunt of the force, which pushes the toes against the shoe.
Pacers usually have heavily damaged toes, a problem that many try to mitigate by cutting holes in their shoes to release the build-up of pressure.
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Pakistan: Sarfraz (c), Hafeez, Imam, Azhar, Sohail, Shafiq, Azam, Saad, Yasir, Asif, Abbas, Hassan, Afridi, Ashraf, Hamza
New Zealand: Williamson (c), Blundell, Boult, De Grandhomme, Henry, Latham, Nicholls, Ajaz, Raval, Sodhi, Somerville, Southee, Taylor, Wagner
Umpires: Bruce Oxerford (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS); Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Tickets and schedule: Entry is free for all spectators. Gates open at 9am. Play commences at 10am
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GCC-UK%20Growth
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Tomorrow 2021
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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The five pillars of Islam
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
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Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead
Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Damien McElroy: A CEO tasked with spreading Iran's influence
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
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Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,400m. Winner: Al Ajeeb W’Rsan, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Jaci Wickham (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m racing. Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Onward, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Prep Rated Conditions (PA) Dh 125,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,600m. Winner: AF Arrab, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 90,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Irish Freedom, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
Zayed Sustainability Prize
12%20restaurants%20opening%20at%20the%20hotel%20this%20month
Towering concerns
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Don't get fined
The UAE FTA requires following to be kept:
- Records of all supplies and imports of goods and services
- All tax invoices and tax credit notes
- Alternative documents related to receiving goods or services
- All tax invoices and tax credit notes
- Alternative documents issued
- Records of goods and services that have been disposed of or used for matters not related to business
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