Eggs and beans Marc says: "Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein and beans are a good source of complex carbohydrates. For starters, carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, providing fuel for high-intensity activities and so consuming carbohydrates before a match can help top up the body's glycogen stores. This ensures that players have enough energy to sustain their high performance throughout the game. "However, it’s also true what they say about beans making you, well, gassy… but it’s only natural and no bad thing when it comes to needing some extra power on the pitch. If beans work for him and are his preferred fuel before games, then who am I to argue with his winning formula?"Eggs and beans Marc says: "Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein and beans are a good source of complex carbohydrates. For starters, carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, providing fuel for high-intensity activities and so consuming carbohydrates before a match can help top up the body's glycogen stores. This ensures that players have enough energy to sustain their high performance throughout the game. "However, it’s also true what they say about beans making you, well, gassy… but it’s only natural and no bad thing when it comes to needing some extra power on the pitch. If beans work for him and are his preferred fuel before games, then who am I to argue with his winning formula?"
Eggs and beans Marc says: "Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein and beans are a good source of complex carbohydrates. For starters, carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, providing fuel for high-intensity activities and so consuming carbohydrates before a match can help top up the body's glycogen stores. This ensures that players have enough energy to sustain their high performance throughout the game. "However, it’s also true what they say about beans making you, well, gassy… but it’s only natural and no bad thing when it comes to needing some extra power on the pitch. If beans work for him and are his preferred fuel before games, then who am I to argue with his winning formula?" | Getty Images

Preston-based ex Premier League player reveals secret behind success of these 10 Euro football stars

By Catherine Musgrove

Senior reporter

Published 28th Jun 2024, 12:37 BST
Updated 28th Jun 2024, 12:38 BST

They say you are what you eat.

And Preston-based former Premier League footballer March Pugh agrees.

The former Burnley and Bournemouth winger, 37, is now known as the nutritionist @thefoodiefootballer, and has worked with Just Eat to analyse the meals of 10 players competing in this summer’s competition, including that of six England stars. 

It comes as Just Eat launch their Meals of Champions bundles, which include a homage to one of football’s most famous pre-match meals, ‘Vardy’s party pack’ - which includes Red Bull, coffee and the ingredients for a ham and cheese omelette.

What do the Euro stars have for breakfast? Take a look at the pages below to find out.

Eight pancakes with maple syrup Marc said: "Pancakes topped with maple syrup are a fantastic energy source. Proving us wrong that we need to only indulge one day a year, or an occasional breakfast, Declan reaps the benefit of this meal mounted high in carbohydrates, providing long, sustained energy. I haven’t heard of another player indulging in so many but he’s one of the most active players on the pitch, so it must work for him."

1. Declan Rice - Eight pancakes with maple syrup

Eight pancakes with maple syrup Marc said: "Pancakes topped with maple syrup are a fantastic energy source. Proving us wrong that we need to only indulge one day a year, or an occasional breakfast, Declan reaps the benefit of this meal mounted high in carbohydrates, providing long, sustained energy. I haven’t heard of another player indulging in so many but he’s one of the most active players on the pitch, so it must work for him." | Getty Images Photo: Getty

Photo Sales
Rice pudding Marc said: "One that may surprise people but rice pudding is a rich source of carbohydrates which may not be known. It provides the necessary energy to fuel intense physical activity during a football match. It is also easy to digest, making it a suitable option before a match when you want to avoid feeling heavy or bloated. My advice would just be careful not to get carried away - which is easily done with this British staple. "I have played against Kyle Walker on numerous occasions and he is the best full back I have come against. He is quick, strong and has a great engine on him… the rice pudding must be working!"

2. Kyle Walker - rice pudding

Rice pudding Marc said: "One that may surprise people but rice pudding is a rich source of carbohydrates which may not be known. It provides the necessary energy to fuel intense physical activity during a football match. It is also easy to digest, making it a suitable option before a match when you want to avoid feeling heavy or bloated. My advice would just be careful not to get carried away - which is easily done with this British staple. "I have played against Kyle Walker on numerous occasions and he is the best full back I have come against. He is quick, strong and has a great engine on him… the rice pudding must be working!" | AFP via Getty Images

Photo Sales
Scrambled eggs, avocado, toast Marc said: "Who knew Harry Kane loves a brunch as much as the rest of us! This simple yet effective pre-match meal is a winner, as the protein in the eggs, healthy fat found in the avocado and carbohydrates in the toast helps to provide the body with long sustained energy."

3. Harry Kane - Scrambled eggs, avocado, toast

Scrambled eggs, avocado, toast Marc said: "Who knew Harry Kane loves a brunch as much as the rest of us! This simple yet effective pre-match meal is a winner, as the protein in the eggs, healthy fat found in the avocado and carbohydrates in the toast helps to provide the body with long sustained energy." | Getty Images Photo: Getty

Photo Sales
Pesto Pasta Marc said: "This meal is a fantastic option before a game as carbohydrates are the bodies main source of energy. Eating a substantial bowl 3-4 hours before a game is ideal. What athletes eat before games is not only important for performance, but for recovery too."

4. Phil Foden - Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta Marc said: "This meal is a fantastic option before a game as carbohydrates are the bodies main source of energy. Eating a substantial bowl 3-4 hours before a game is ideal. What athletes eat before games is not only important for performance, but for recovery too." | Getty Images

Photo Sales
Previous
1 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Premier LeaguePrestonBurnleyBournemouthEnglandCoffeeRed BullFootballCristiano RonaldoJude BellinghamHarry KanePhil FodenRomelu LukakuTrent Alexander-ArnoldKyle WalkerDeclan RiceEuro 2024