Hi- tech hotpants to help keep our boys on the boil
ENGLAND’S footballers are wearing battery-powered heated trousers during the tournament to combat injury- threatening changes in temperature.
Because of its vast size, the climate in Russia alters dramatically, region by region. England’s training base in Repino in the north reached as low as 53F t his week, while Volgograd, where they face Tunisia tomorrow, is a sweltering 91F.
Gareth Southgate’s stars will use Lizard Heat trousers designed to keep leg muscles at a steady temperature during rest periods, limiting the likelihood of a pull, tear or strain. They are usually used during warm-ups and in the 15 minutes prior to kick-off and at half-time.
Chris Ashdown, boss of Lizard Heat, said: ‘I came up with the idea while watching Formula 1 and watching a piece by Sky on the technology and science as to why rubber is warmed pre-race in whatever conditions.
‘I applied the concept to football players using far-infrared technology which offers penetrative warmth over the standard solutions like hot water bottles and heated wheat bags or blankets.’
Manchester Cit y, Everton, Swansea and Leeds have also bought pairs for next season.
Ashdown’s original invention – a heated hoodie that cost £200 – was knocked back by investors on Dragons’ Den in 2012 before he moved on to the trousers.
He added: ‘It goes to show that with perseverance and hard work you can achieve your goals, even when you get knocked back.’