Why have England players got holes in their socks?

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If you watched the opening game of the Euros, you may have spotted it wasn't just the goal nets that were full of holes.

There were some pretty big ones in some of the players' socks, too.

It's not a fashion statement or a even a mistake - some footballers reckon the holes could actually be a winning move on the pitch.

Physiotherapist Nicki de Leona says players are making the holes to "maximise blood flow to their muscles and in particular their calves" by giving them more room to expand.

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Image caption, A number of the England team players have holes in the back of their socks
Kick-on to more on the Euros

Why are England football stars wearing socks with holes?

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Image caption, Three Lions on his shirt, three holes in his socks - Jude Bellingham scores against Serbia

England's Jude Bellingham is one of the players seen sporting the holes in his socks recently.

The legwear alterations were on full display as he launched himself into the air to score a header in England's opening game against Serbia.

Bellingham wasn't alone though, teammates Conor Gallagher and Bukayo Saka also had holes along the back of their calves.

Nicki de Leon says players feel that the holes let them perform without restriction, reducing pressure on calf muscles, and that top level sports people will always try get a "little extra advantage".

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Image caption, Kyle Walker has been spotted with holes in socks for years now

Do holes in your socks help you play better football?

Players cutting holes into their socks is not a particularly new process.

In fact, the oldest member of the England squad, Kyle Walker, has been sporting the breezy socks for years now.

He said in 2021: "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!'"

Scientifically, this holey sock strategy is yet to be proven.

This isn't the first time players' legwear has made the news.

Players opting to roll down their socks and wear mini shin pads saw the trend become popular in the grassroots game - a practice that was ultimately banned at some clubs over safety concerns.

What do you think of players cutting holes in their socks? Let us know in the comments below.