From sweaty palms to ‘surging’ hormone levels: what exactly will happen in the bodies of football fans when they watch England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final this weekend

Is it finally coming home?

Everything will be decided on Sunday as Gareth Southgate… England takes on Spain in the Euro 2024 last.

During the match, England fans are subjected to a rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes that they simply cannot control.

Scientists from the University of Derby say fans can expect increased ‘cognitive anxiety’, leading to noticeable ‘physiological symptoms’ while watching.

From clammy palms to a racing heart and a bloodstream full of hormones: this is what the England v Spain match does to your body.

Is it finally coming home? Everything will be decided on Sunday when Gareth Southgate’s England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final

INCREASED STRESS

During a stressful football match – or any stressful situation – the body produces the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.

This is part of the so-called ‘fight or flight response’: a physiological response in which we naturally prepare our bodies for a dangerous or frightening situation by releasing hormones.

One of the hormones that is released is cortisol. This hormone ensures that our body has enough energy to respond to any danger.

Cortisol increases energy and increases alertness, but too much can eventually lead to a suppressed immune system, weight gain, and increased blood pressure with the risk of heart problems.

Previous research has shown that fans are more likely to suffer heart attacks on important match days due to the dangerous amount of stress.

Whether watching on the big screen at home or in the stadium, fans put their bodies through a rollercoaster of reactions during a crucial football match

During a stressful football match, the body releases the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys

A 2020 study published by experts at the University of Oxford found that loyal fans produce more cortisol when watching a match live.

INCREASED HEART RATE

The well-known fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline rises during a stressful football match and makes our heart beat faster.

There are specific spots on the cells of major organs, including the heart, called beta receptors, that respond to adrenaline when it is released by increasing the heart rate.

“This response is not to improve oxygen transfer, but more a response to the hormones that are released,” said Mark Faghy, professor of clinical exercise science at the University of Derby.

Blood pressure also rises because the fight or flight hormones cause our blood vessels to constrict. However, this is a temporary reaction.

“Our heart rate can increase when we are stressed or anxious, for example when watching an important football match,” says Dr Andy Hooton, a sport and exercise scientist at the University of Derby.

‘We hope that England can take an early lead in the final on Sunday so that the supporters can relax and enjoy the game without any surprises.’

Everything will be decided on Sunday when Gareth Southgate’s England take on Spain in the final of Euro 2024

Cuddling helps release oxytocin – the so-called ‘cuddle’ or ‘bonding’ hormone. Pictured: England fans in Croydon after their opening goal at the European Championship against Ukraine, 3 July 2021

SWEATY PALMS

Your palms may be sweaty – or at least sweatier than normal – during a very important soccer match.

This is due to the eccrine sweat glands in our hands, forehead and feet, which are controlled by the nervous system.

When body temperature rises – often as a result of fight-or-flight responses such as an increased heart rate – we sweat to cool us down.

“We know that our hands and feet have a higher concentration of certain types of sweat glands than other parts of our body,” said Mel Lindley, head of the University of Derby’s faculty of health and social care.

‘These sweat glands are activated by the stress hormones in the body. When we are stressed, our hands can sweat.’

Sweaty hands are a physical response to the body’s fight or flight response, along with an increased heart rate and breathing pattern.

Physical changes occur in the body without any control over them, due to the ‘fight or flight’ response. Pictured: England fans watch the Euro 2020 match against Denmark, Trafalgar Square, London, July 7, 2021

INCREASED BREATHING

All this extra work our bodies have to do means we have to breathe deeper and faster to get more oxygen from the air.

Breathing in this manner promotes complete oxygen exchange, that is, the exchange of incoming oxygen in the air for outgoing carbon dioxide.

Not surprisingly, it can slow heart rate and lower or stabilize blood pressure in response to stress, so don’t forget to stop and breathe on Sunday!

Experts from the University of Derby advise taking deep breaths at ‘high-octane moments of the match’, such as immediately after an England goal or just before a penalty shootout.

HAPPY HORMONES

It’s not all negative though, as the body rewards us during the high points of football, such as when our team scores a goal or wins a match.

Experts advise taking deep breaths at ‘tough moments of the match’ – so immediately after an England goal or just before a penalty shootout (pictured: England’s Bukayo Saka during the successful penalty shootout against Switzerland on July 6)

This euphoria causes a number of happiness hormones to be released in the body: dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline, endorphins and vasopressin.

“These natural chemicals can make us feel good and the positive impact is good for our health,” said Professor Faghy.

‘We feel joy through our neurotransmitters, tiny chemical messenger cells that transmit signals between neurons and other body cells.

‘This could boost our immune system, combat stress and pain, and extend lifespan. Good luck Gareth and the team. The nation needs you to make this happen!’