A Premier League chef who has cooked for around 100 top-flight players has revealed that England's squad will be banned from eating ketchup and mayonnaise before their World Cup match against Norway. Jonny Marsh, known as 'The Football Feeder', explained that the condiments have been largely cut out due to their high sugar and fat content.
Beetroot and Carb Loading Key to Preparation
Marsh, who has prepared meals for players including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, said the squad will likely consume large quantities of beetroot in the build-up, possibly taking beetroot shots before kick-off. He noted beetroot's ability to 'support exercise performance naturally'.
The pre-match dietary regime begins several days before the game, with a gradual increase in carbohydrate consumption starting on Thursday. For a Saturday kick-off, nutrition starts on Thursday when players begin increasing carbohydrate intake. The day before the match, both lunch and dinner are more carb-focused, often with pasta or rice to top up energy stores.
Matchday Meals and Hydration
On matchday morning, players typically have a lighter meal with some protein and a small amount of vegetables, but fibre is kept low. The focus shifts to easily digestible carbohydrates to fuel players without feeling heavy.
Soaring temperatures have been a major talking point during the competition, with hydration breaks drawing reactions from crowds. Marsh emphasised the critical importance of keeping players hydrated, noting that hydrating ingredients like watercress and cucumber will feature in salads. Players will also take hydration sachets throughout the day and consume fresh juices made from melon, beetroot, oranges, and lemons to maintain fluid balance.
Post-Match Recovery
Post-match meals play an equally crucial role. Marsh explained that players usually eat quickly after the game to top up energy stores, especially in hot conditions. While occasional cheat meals like pizza or fried chicken might appear in the dressing room, during tournaments most players keep things controlled until later stages. Recovery drinks with ginger and turmeric are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Marsh spoke to World Cup odds betting site Betway about these nutritional strategies.
