A ‘revolutionary’ smart ring worn by Kim Kardashian is emerging as England’s secret weapon here at Euro 2024.
The players and staff have been given a state-of-the-art tracking device called the Oura Ring to wear during their stay here in Germany, with technology that claims to monitor sleep, body temperature, stress and heart health.
Gareth Southgate is a firm believer in marginal gains and has been open to introducing various emerging technologies during his eight-year reign as England manager in his bid to end the country’s 58-year wait for a big trophy.
And the jewels of fitness have become an addition to England’s armory as they prepare for Sunday’s European Championship opener against Serbia.
Indeed, Southgate himself wears a piece of the shirt on his left index finger and was first spotted with the ring during England’s preparations for the home tour earlier this month.
Gareth Southgate has been spotted wearing the ring during England’s preparations in Germany
The England manager has been wearing the latest tracking device on his left index finger
Kim Kardashian has been spotted wearing the ‘revolutionary’ Oura smart ring before
A number of players have also used the ring while training here at their base in Weimar. During Wednesday’s sessions, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi were among the first players to wear Oura rings.
Oura rings are priced up to £500, with the cheapest set at £277
Members of the England support team have also been seen wearing the devices, from which data can be monitored by staff.
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham is also believed to be wearing the ring here in Germany.
While some players have worn the rings during training at their base in Weimar, it seems unlikely that they will be allowed to wear them during matches.
Recovery data from the rigors of training and matches in professional soccer has become a vital element for coaches and analysts as they leave no stone unturned in their quest for greater performance.
The ring is also popular with some of the most famous celebrities on the planet.
In addition to Kardashian, Prince Harry, Gwenyth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have all been photographed wearing the sophisticated tracker.
It is also endorsed by top athletes including NBA star Chris Paul and Olympic skier and three-time gold medalist Lindsey Vonn.
The company’s website also lists the United States Army among their clients.
Marc Guehi was among the England players seen wearing the ring in training on Wednesday
The ring can be used to monitor sleep, body temperature, stress and heart health
Prince Harry was pictured wearing the sophisticated fitness tracker in Melbourne in 2018
Explaining how the ring can enhance performance, the Oura website says: “Whether you’re managing a professional sports organization or training elite forces, ensure your team is always performing at their highest level with accurate biometrics.
“Use accurate and continuous data to prioritize rest, adjust training schedules, monitor recovery and detect signs of illness, injury and fatigue.”
Oura rings are priced up to £500, with the cheapest priced at £277.
The company’s website also claims that users have experienced 87 percent improved overall health, 88 percent better sleep quality, 74 percent improved stress management, and 71 percent improved work productivity.
The company’s website claims to have over a million users worldwide.
In 2023, speaking to Face magazine, England defender John Stones revealed that he has already converted to Oura Ring.
“The first thing I do as soon as I get out of bed is check my Oura ring to see how I slept – it’s addicting,” he revealed.
“It tells me how long it took me to fall asleep, how much REM (rapid eye movement) and deep sleep I got, how many times I woke up… it’s crazy.”
Similarly, ahead of Qatar 2022, Germany’s national team were fitted with Oura rings after a sleep researcher was appointed to help provide advice on how to accumulate optimal rest before and after matches.
Anna West, a Danish-born sleep expert, spoke to the German squad before the tournament and recommended that each player be given a ring to ensure support staff have a better grasp of their respective recoveries.
Members of the England women’s team have also used Oura Rings.