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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>England will not wear names on their shirts</li><li>Play Belgium after Brazil defeat on Friday</li><li>Raising awareness for Alzheimer's</li></ul>

Explained: Why England are playing without names on the back of their shirts in second half of Belgium friendly at Wembley

The FA have confirmed that the second half of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/team/england/fixtures-results/ck8m1cn23sukwsurgx5qakttk" target="_blank">England's clash with Belgium</a>, their second <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/euro-2024-power-rankings/blt747bf1ccd8153598" target="_blank">Euro 2024</a> warm-up in a week, will be unique, in that the Three Lions will not have any player names on the back of their shirts. Instead, Jude Bellingham and his team-mates will only wear their numbers.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> will play without names on their shirts during the second half of tomorrow's <a href="https://twitter.com/alzheimerssoc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alzheimerssoc</a> International to highlight memory loss as one of the symptoms of dementia ❤️— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1772201803183989103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

The fixture has been designated as an Alzheimer's Society International, and the initiative will highlight memory loss as a key symptom of dementia.A statement read: "The England men’s team will play without names on their shirts during the second half of the fixture against Belgium at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday."The match has been dedicated as an Alzheimer’s Society International as part of our official charity partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, driving home how football should be unforgettable."The names will disappear from the players’ shirts when they return to the pitch after half time, drawing attention to how people with dementia lose precious memories, even the names of their favourite football players."With memory loss the most commonly associated symptom of dementia, this year’s dedicated international aims to increase awareness of dementia symptoms and encourage fans to seek a diagnosis if they spot any tell-tale signs in themselves or loved ones. Fans are being encouraged to download Alzheimer’s Society’s symptoms checklist at <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sports">alzheimers.org.uk/sports</a>"Although dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, one in three people living with dementia in England and Wales don’t have a diagnosis and too many people still think dementia is just a sign of normal ageing, unsure of the symptoms, and too afraid to visit their GP. A diagnosis can allow families more time to plan for the future and unlock the door to treatment, care and support."The custom shirts are being donated by the England squad and auctioned to raise crucial funds to support Alzheimer’s Society research into early diagnosis."The nameless shirts originally appeared at the first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.englandfootball.com/england/mens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2022/england-v-switzerland-alzheimers-society-international-2022-saturday-26-march-2022">Alzheimer's Society International in 2022</a>, and are being repeated against Belgium as a recurring, recognisable way to drive home the message that football should be unforgettable."Kate Lee, Alzheimer's Society CEO said: 'We hope this striking gesture with the players' shirts will once again get fans across the country talking, and thinking about the signs and symptoms of dementia."By using football to shine a spotlight and increase awareness of dementia symptoms, we hope to not only encourage fans to donate towards our early diagnosis research, but also to support their loved ones just as much as they support their football team. This means taking crucial first steps in seeking a diagnosis if they suspect someone they care about may be affected. A diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know.""The dedicated match is part of the FA and Alzheimer’s Society’s Support the Supporters campaign, driving home the importance of a dementia diagnosis."If you see the signs of dementia in a loved one, show them your support by visiting <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sports">alzheimers.org.uk/sports</a> to use Alzheimer’s Society’s symptoms checklist, get further information and donate to help fund research into early diagnosis."

WHY WILL ENGLAND NOT HAVE THEIR NAMES ON THEIR SHIRTS?

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the United Kingdom, per <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank">NHS UK</a>. Dementia is the name for a clutch of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain function, and can affect memory, speech patterns, and thinking skills, as well as other mental abilities.The exact cause of Alzheimer's has yet to be discovered, and England and the FA have long supported initiatives to raise awareness of the condition, and help secure funding for both research projects and those affected by the disease.Per <a href="https://dementiastatistics.org/about-dementia/prevalence-and-incidence/" target="_blank">DementiaStatistics.org</a>, 944,000 people are estimated to be living with the condition in the UK and one in two people in the population will be affected by the disease, either by caring for someone, or by suffering from it themselves.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

The partnership stretches back to 2021, as Alzheimer's Society is the official charity partner of the FA. The FA has raised over £740,000 for the charity, per their <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/our-people/our-corporate-partnerships/alzheimers-society-the-fa-partnership" target="_blank">website</a>, while Wembley Stadium is the first national ground to become more Dementia inclusive. They have even produced a guide for other stadia.England have routinely participated in 'Alzheimer's Internationals', with both the men's and women's teams raising awareness and vital funds. Against Switzerland, in March of 2022, the team once again wore kits without their names on the back, while the women's team did the same against Australia in April of the same year.

HOW ELSE HAVE ENGLAND SUPPORTED ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY IN THE PAST?

After playing Belgium, they will continue their preparations for Euro 2024 in the summer. As the FA says, 'football should be unforgettable', and nothing would be more memorable than Harry Kane lifting the trophy in Germany.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Explained: Why England are playing without names on the back of their shirts in second half of Belgium friendly at Wembley | Goal.com Australia

England face Belgium in an international friendly on Tuesday but will play the second half without names on their shirts.