England legend and ITV pundit Karen Carney has tipped Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as one to watch at the World Cup, while also calling for more healthy plant-based options in football stadiums.
The former Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, Birmingham City and Chelsea star, who earned 144 caps for England, is in New York as part of ITV's World Cup coverage team for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Carney, 38, believes today's fans are more health-conscious than ever and wants to see more high-protein, plant-based options available alongside traditional matchday favourites.
To mark the opening week of the World Cup, the ex-Lioness – who has followed a plant-based lifestyle for years and is a Beyond Meat ambassador – has revealed her perfect match-day meal.
She has created her own high-protein burger recipe, inspired by the food she enjoys while watching football with friends and family.
Carney said: "Fans are more health-conscious than ever and I would like to see more options at stadiums which consider these factors. It's not about replacing matchday classics or taking away the fun of matchday food. It's about giving people more choices."
She added: "A really tasty plant-based burger, a high-protein wrap, or something fresh and filling can sit alongside the traditional favourites. Ultimately, I think stadium food needs to evolve in the same way football has evolved."
As one of ITV's lead World Cup pundits, Carney says tournament days are about simple, satisfying food that provides energy without adding stress.
"The biggest lesson from elite sport is that food should help you perform and feel good, not add stress. Whether you're playing in a tournament or watching from home, great food is part of the experience," she said.
"My World Cup go-to would be a BBQ and my Beyond Burger with all the match-day extras – something that feels like a tasty treat but still gives you the energy to enjoy the game."
For the former Strictly Come Dancing competitor, the perfect World Cup gathering is about friends, family, atmosphere and easy-to-share food.
"Football brings people together, so for me it's about friends, family, a great atmosphere and good food that's easy to share. No one remembers a perfect BBQ, they remember the atmosphere," she said.
When hosting friends during the tournament, she chooses burgers, hot dogs, bowls and sharing dishes that allow everyone to help themselves.
Carney believes the tournament is wide open but says five nations stand out: England, France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.
"England absolutely have the talent to win a major tournament," she said, but added: "I think France will be the ones to beat."
While many England fans will focus on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Carney is keen to see which younger players emerge. She highlighted Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, who has been linked with a blockbuster transfer to Manchester City or Manchester United.
"Every tournament creates new heroes," she said, expressing hope that Anderson will have a strong tournament. United are reportedly set to move on to other targets after City made an offer worth more than £120 million for Anderson.
