Explainers

FOOTBALLERS often alter their kit to gain an advantage during a match and to protect themselves from injury.One trend fans have noticed in recent years is their favourite stars with multiple holes in their socks – but what is the reason behind this?Kyle Walker is believed to have started the trend in 2018Credit: Richard PelhamJude Bellingham has been seen with holes cut in his socks during Euro 2024Credit: AFPWhy do footballers cut holes in their socks?Eagle-eyed fans have noticed many footballers in the top leagues and international tournaments have holes in their socks – and it’s not a fashion statement.The real reason behind the kit alteration is for players to avoid calf injuries during a match.The holes allow the tension in their legs to be released, which helps to prevent them from picking up muscle problems or cramps.Footballers always wear brand new socks, which can prove to be restrictive, causing difficulties with effective blood flow and circulation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland full-back Kyle Walker was the first star spotted with holes in his socks during Manchester City’s 2018 Champions League defeat to Liverpool.Since then, many other global football stars, such as Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, have jumped on the trend.Did Jude Bellingham break La Liga rules by cutting holes in his socks?The England superstar enjoyed an incredible first season in Spain and has helped the Three Lions progress at Euro 2024.For a number of years, Bellingham has followed the trend of many other footballing talents by cutting holes in the back of his socks.Most read in FootballHe cuts the gap at the back of his thigh, similar to how five-time Champions League winner Bale did while at Real Madrid.But now Spanish publication AS states that is actually not technically allowed in LaLiga.  Players are not supposed to play with ripped socks, shorts or shirts.However, chiefs “turn a blind eye” as they are “aware of the medical chaos” implementing the rule and forcing players to wear a full sock.What did Kyle Walker say about cutting holes in his socks?Speaking in 2021, the England full-back said: “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!'”West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal cuts many holes in his socksCredit: Richard Pelham More

EURO 2024 will come to a conclusion later this week – with two European giants set to collide.Spain booked their spot in the huge final after narrowly beating France 2-1 in a thrilling last-four clash.Olympiastadion Berlin will host the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GETTYLamine Yamal and Dani Olmo turned the tie on its head for La Roja after Randal Kolo Muani’s 9th-minute opener.The Spaniards will face the winner of the semi-final between Netherlands and England.ENGLAND VS NETHERLANDS LIVE – LATEST UPDATESSunSport has all the information you need ahead of the Euro 2024 final…READ MORE IN EURO 2024When is the Euro 2024 final?The Euro 2024 final will take place on Sunday, July 14.Kick-off will be at 8pm BST.The Olympiastadion Berlin will host.What TV channel will the Euro 2024 final be on and can it be live streamed FREE?The Euro 2024 final will be broadcast live on BOTH BBC One and ITV1.All of the games at the European Championships have been aired on either BBC or ITV during the tournament.You will be able to live stream the final for FREE on either BBC iPlayer or ITVX.Most read in Euro 2024Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What happened in the last Euros final?England were dealt penalty heartbreak against Italy in the last Euros final back in 2021.Luke Shaw put the nation in dreamland just two minutes into the Wembley showpiece.But Leonardo Bonucci made it 1-1 on 67 minutes, which took the tie to extra-time.Neither side could separate themselves from the other in the additional period leading to spot kicks, of which, Italy triumphed and lifted their second Euros title.England will be looking to avenge their penalties loss three years ago and claim their first major tournament win in 58 years. More

MARC GUEHI has emerged as one of England’s standout performers in Germany.The defender’s performances at Euro 2024 have seen him become a fan favourite among supporters both in Germany and back home.Marc Guehi has been one of England’s best performers at Euro 2024 – and has been rewarded with a brilliant new chant from fansCredit: ReutersHe has now been honoured with a new song chanted in the stands by Three Lions fans – but what are the lyrics to the new Guehi song?What are the lyrics to the Marc Guehi chant?Guehi grabbed an assist in England’s last 16 win over Slovakia, with his flick on setting up Jude Bellingham to equalise in stoppage time.He missed the Switzerland quarter-final because of suspension but is expected to be back in the starting XI for the semi-final against the Netherlands.Since the match, a new chant has become popular amongst fans recognising the displays of the Crystal Palace star.Sung to the tune of The Real Thing’s 1976 classic “You to Me Are Everything”, the lyrics are:Oh you to me are everything,You’re taking England to Berlin,Marc Guehi!Most read in Euro 2024Marc Guehi!And when you play with Jonny Stones,I’m sure that football’s coming home,Marc Guehi!Marc Guehi!What does Marc Guehi think of his chant?Reacting to the song, Guehi told England’s social media channels: “Humbling, humbling.”Never had my own song before so yeah for this to be out there, fans to be signing this is unbelievable to be honest.”But very, very humbling. I’ve never had a song before, no one.”You don’t usually get people signing your name. You do your job and then you move on but to be getting some appreciation is very, very, very, very nice. Just a great feeling to be honest.”I’m glad Stonesy’s in the song as well, not just me.””You to me are everything…” 🎶Marc Guéhi visits the Diary Room to chat about his new song, Sunday’s last 16 victory and much more! pic.twitter.com/9JhUN8EJpI— England (@England) July 3, 2024

Why did Marc Guehi not play against Switzerland?Despite the new song, Guehi was forced to miss Saturday’s dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout win over Switzerland.The 23-year-old centre-back served his one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards at Euro 2024.His ban was confirmed after Guehi received an early booking in the 2-1 win over Slovakia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAston Villa’s Ezri Konsa came in for Guehi, with the Three Lions playing a back three.However, Gareth Southgate is expected to return Guehi to his starting side for the semi final. More

LAMINE Yamal is a 16-year-old football prodigy and has rapidly ascended to prominence during the Euro 2024.Here is everything you need to know about his early debut and record-breaking performances, such as becoming the youngest goal scorer at a Euro final match.Lamine Yamal is the youngest player at Euro 2024Credit: GettyLamine Yamal made his professional debut at the age of 15How old is Lamine Yamal?Lamine Yamal is a professional footballer and is 16 years old.He will turn 17 a day before playing for Spain in the Euro 2024 final.He was born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.Yamal joined the Barcelona youth academy when he was seven years old and made his professional debut for the club on April 29, 2023, at the age of 15.read more on lamine yamalHe plays as a right winger.At 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, he was not only the fifth youngest player in La Liga history, but also the youngest player at the club since 15-year-old Armando Sagi in 1922, more than a century earlier.As of July 2024, Yamal has made 38 appearances for the club, scoring five times.In 2023, he was part of the Spain U17 team at the European U17 Championship.Most read in Euro 2024He scored in the semi-final but the side were defeated by France 3-1.In September 2023 he was picked by coach Luis de la Fuente to play in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.Yamal destroys Rabiot on and off the pitch after France star sparked ’embarrassing’ feud with Spanish teen He made his debut for the senior national side on September 8, 2023, scoring in the 74th minute of a 7–1 victory over Georgia.This feat earned him the title of Spain’s youngest player and goalscorer at the age of 16 years and 57 days.On June 7, 2024, it was announced that he was part of the Spain squad heading to Germany for the Euro 2024 finals.Yamal told The Sun he had to bring his school homework with him to the tournament.I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail meLamine Yamalon having school work to do at the EurosHe said: “I’ve brought my homework with me because I’m finishing high school.”I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail me.”Which Euro 2024 records is Lamine Yamal breaking?On July 9, 2024, Yamal broke the record for being the youngest player ever to score in a Euro final match.He scored the equaliser for Spain at the age of 16 years and 362 days during the semi-finals against France.His goal helped Spain advance to the finals, where they will either face England or the Netherlands.Yamal is also the youngest player in the Euros finals in the 64-year history of the competition.He made his debut at the tender age of 16 years 338 days in a 3-0 win over Croatia.During the match his set-up for Dani Carvajal’s goal earned him the record for the youngest player to serve up an assist in a Euro finals game.Yamal claimed the title of youngest player in the knockout stages at the Euros after starting for Spain in their 4-1 win over Georgia.He was 16 years 353 days at the time, taking the title from England’s Jude Bellingham.Lamine Yamal and members of his family after the Euro 2024 semi-finalHis family came to support him at the Euro 2024 in GermanyWho are Lamine Yamal’s parents?Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasrouri, is a 35-year-old Moroccan who actively shares his son’s achievements on Instagram.Interestingly, Yamal’s teammate, Jesus Navas, is three years older than Nasrouri.When Navas debuted for the Spanish national team in 2009, Yamal was just two years old.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis mother, Sheila Ebana, hails from Guinea, meaning that Yamal was also eligible to represent either Morocco or Guinea at a national level.His parents separated when he was young, and he has a brother and a sister. More

FRENCH phenomenon Kylian Mbappe is NOT wearing a mask for France’s huge Euro 2024 semi-final clash against Spain TONIGHT.Real Madrid’s star summer signing played in the mask for the first time in Les Bleus’ final group stage game against Poland.Kylian Mbappe played in a mask for first time against PolandCredit: PAKylian Mbappe is NOT wearing a mask against SpainCredit: AFPBut fans want to know why Mbappe is no longer wearing the protective mask – SunSport has all the details below…Why was Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask?Kylian Mbappe has worn a mask in three matches since the French icon was forced off during France’s opening 1-0 win over Austria after colliding with Kevin Danso.With Mbappe’s visibly damaged, the forward was immediately sent to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken nose.Mbappe suffered a broken nose in the Austria clashCredit: RexThe French forward clashed with Kevin DansoCredit: RexThe ex-PSG striker was spotted training with a new specially made protective mask – painted like the France flag.Read more on Euro 2024Uefa rules states that any protective mask has to be painted in ONE colour, leaving Mbappe having to wear a black mask when he appeared on pitch later in the tournament.Mbappe’s French mask breaks UEFA protocolCredit: ReutersWhy is Mbappe NOT wearing a mask against Spain?However, despite reports that Mbappe would have to wear the mask until the end of the tournament and, potentially, months into the future – Mbappe did NOT wear the mask in the semi-final against Spain.No official reason has been confirmed, at the time of writing.Presumably, Mbappe made the decision having struggled to reach his usual heights during the tournament in Germany.Most read in Euro 2024He has only scored one goal, from the penalty spot, at Euro 2024 and was notably subbed off in the previous round against Portugal, despite the game heading into extra-time. Without the mask, Mbappe got an assist for France inside ten minutes against Spain, floating in a superb cross for Randal Kolo Muani to head home from close range.What has been said?Kevin Danso, who collided with Mbappe which led to the Frenchman’s injury, issued an apology to France supporters on social media after the match.He wrote: “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured during our duel.”I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly find his place on the pitch.”Mbappe himself has reacted badly to playing with the mask – before the Belgium clash, he said: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me“It is ­difficult to play because it limits vision, the sweat clogs up. The first few days felt like I was wearing 3D glasses — as soon as I can get it off I will but I don’t have a choice.“I hate it, it is really annoying. You have seen pictures of five masks but in the evening I’ve had different trials.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”When is Spain vs France?Spain vs France will take place TONIGHT – Tuesday, July 9.The match will kick off at 8pm BST.The Allianz Arena in Munich will host. More

FRANCE will be wearing their white kit yet again as they face Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.It is the fifth time in six matches in Germany that Didier Deschamps’ team have turned out in their change strip.France have worn their white ‘away’ kit in five of six fixtures so far at Euro 2024Credit: AlamyBut why are Les Bleus not wearing their traditional shirt?Why are France wearing white and not blue at Euro 2024?France have traditionally worn blue shirts for much of the last 100 years. The first France international match, played in 1904, saw the side turn out in an all white kit, and they played in one during the early 1920s.However, France wore a blue kit in the 1930 World Cup and that has been their official home colour ever since. The kit has nearly always been paired with white shorts and red socks – evoking the French Tricolore – although in the last decade they have regularly worn blue shorts and/or socks. Their away kit has been a variation of a white shirt with blue or white socks and red trim since the 1960s.During Euro 2024, however, France have not often been seen in blue.The match against Spain will be the fifth time in the tournament out of six matches that they have decided to pick the white ‘away’ strip.Most read in Euro 2024There has been no official reason why France are wearing white instead of blue.France are down as the away side in the match against Spain and some observers have pointed to that as the reason for France being in white.However, there is no requirement for France to wear an away kit, despite being named as the away side in the fixture, when there is no kit clash.Germany wore their white home kit when they were the ‘away’ side against Spain in the last round but also wore their pink and purple away strip when the ‘home’ side against Hungary in the group stage. Similarly, France wore their white kit against Belgium in the last 16 despite Les Bleus being the ‘home’ side and their being no kit clash with the Red Devils.France also seemingly could have worn blue against Austria (who play in red), the Netherlands (orange) and Portugal (red).Therefore, it appears that the French squad are choosing to play in white rather than blue as a preference, with any further reasoning unclear.Spain vs France – head-to-head recordSpain wins: 16France wins: 13READ MORE SUN STORIESDraws: 7Last fixture: France 2-1 Spain, Uefa Nations League Final – October 10, 2021 More