Just Eat has today launched its Meals of Champions bundles, allowing fans to eat like a pro during this year’s summer football tournament. From Declan Rice’s revelation of eight pre-match pancakes, to Jamie Vardy’s winning combination of red bull, coffee and omelettes, fans will be able to replicate their favourite players’ matchday munch in just a few taps on the app – all through Just Eat’s grocery delivery service.
Working with former top flight player and Bournemouth winger, Marc Pugh, now nutritionist @thefoodiefootballer, Just Eat has analysed the meals of 11 players competing in this summer’s competition, including that of six England stars. The ‘Starters Eleven’ includes:
- Jude Bellingham – Europe’s hottest young talent and his love affair with baked beans and eggs before some of the biggest games on the world stage
- Declan Rice – England supremos’ recent revelation of EIGHT maple syrup covered pancakes pre-match
- Kyle Walker – how a single can of rice pudding is the secret behind the nation’s paciest player
- Harry Kane – ever the symbol of professionalism, Kane’s choice of scrambled eggs and toast
Phil Foden – tricky on the pitch but simple off it, with a traditional pasta also being his go too
Bundles are available to purchase in celebration of Just Eat’s grocery service which offers thousands of products from supermarkets and convenience stores across the UK – including One Stop and Morrisons Daily. With delivery available from as little as 30 minutes, Just Eat is the go to platform for anyone stocking up for a summer of sport.
“Footballers are very regimented in their food routines, but that doesn’t mean that all diets are what you’d expect. It’s all about being tailored to the individual, so if that means getting a big burst from sugary meals or tucking into a can of tuna at the breakfast table, then so be it! It’s part of being balanced and finding out what works best for you. Thanks to delivery services like Just Eat, it’s all at your fingertips nowadays and having what you need delivered to your door within 30 minutes means there’s no excuse for anyone not to find what works for them – or experiment by dining like one of the pros!”
Marc Pugh
In homage to former England star Vardy, and his unconventional pre-game diet, Just Eat has also launched the ‘Vardy party pack’ bundle – containing energy drinks, espressos and the ingredients for a ham and cheese omelette. Helping Vardy to score 224 career goals and seven international goals.
Looking at those who could stand in the way of England ending 58 years of hurt, Pugh also analyses why Ronaldo’s six meals a day could be the key to maintaining performance at the top level, and why eating tuna for breakfast is the key to Robert Lewandowski still leading the line for club and country.
Pugh also shares his personal experiences of being in a Premier League dressing room and competing against international stars, giving the insider line on a few of the lesser-known secret pre-match meals, including peanut butter covered toast dipped in hot chocolate.
“The Euros is a moment that brings people together, whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just enjoy supporting your country. The food that’s fuelling our footballers has never been more important, which is why we’ve created our ‘Meals of Champions’ bundles. People can now follow in the footsteps of their heroes by making their very own versions of these pre-match meals from the comfort of their own home, and without having to step foot on a pitch!”
Victoria Gold, UK&I Marketing Director at Just Eat
Marc Pugh’s Starters XI – Analysis of superstar diets this summer
I’ve played with many elite level players down the years who have been FAR from conventional in their pre-match meals.
Even before starting my journey as a nutritionist I was questioning one world cup star’s choice of putting butter and jam on toast and then dipping it in hot chocolate. I can confidently say there was no nutritional value in this. But diet is all down to the individual and if that’s what helps you perform on the world stage, then so be it.
There was also a team-mate that would religiously rock up with a meal deal pre-game. It was always the same – a BLT sandwich, pack of crisps and a fizzy drink. I just wanted to shake them but once someone is into a routine, it’s difficult to convince them otherwise.
Just look at Jamie Vardy’s caffeine fuelled tradition or Havertz’s love of half time gummy bears and Skittles. Ultimately, it can come down to superstition and whatever players feel their body needs to perform next level football.
At this year’s tournament you’ll see a huge variation amongst superstars, which I’ve analysed below.
Jude Bellingham
Eggs and beans
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?
Declan Rice
Eight pancakes with maple syrup
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.
Especially against Denmark where he’ll be keeping tight to a tricky Christian Eriksen and shielding the defence against Hojlund, who will be a physical opponent. With such an intense schedule it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s mixing up the toppings – if England go all the way that’s 56 pancakes!
Kyle Walker
Rice pudding
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!
Kyle always plays so high as a full back so on transition, his pace and athleticism will be crucial for England this summer. If we progress as group winners, we could face group B runners up and I see that being Italy. If so, Kyle could come up against the hugely talented Italian player Federico Chiesa and so rice pudding will be a prerequisite for keeping stamina up, especially with the games coming thick and fast.
Harry Kane
Scrambled eggs, avocado, toast
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.
Harry’s goalscoring record speaks for itself and his pre match meal choices are very good. Harry scores lots of late goals and that just doesn’t come by luck. It comes with good preparation, good sleep, good nutrition, visualisation and having the mindset to keep improving every day.
Perfect if he’s stepping up to take an important penalty for England too.
Phil Foden
Pesto Pasta
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.
Phil Foden is so naturally gifted and has the magic to win any game. This meal will provide him with long sustained energy. Phil Foden has to play as a number 10 for England because there is no one better than him on the half turn. His awareness and ability to receive the ball in tight spaces is next level.
Robert Lewandowski
Breakfast tuna
I completely understand why, but I don’t think you’d have been able to convince me to be chowing down on a tin of tuna with some greens or pasta first thing in the morning during my playing days. That said, he’s still playing at the top level for a reason.
It’s a great source of protein, which is superb for recovery at the later stages of your career. I can’t imagine his team-mates are thanking him for it off the pitch in the mornings, but they are when he’s winning them games in the afternoon.
Ronaldo
Six meals a day
Breakfast – Hams, cheeses and yoghurt
Mid-morning snacks – Avocado toast
Lunches (2) – Chicken salad and fish of some variety accompanied with salad, eggs, and olives
Dinners (2) – Fish (tuna / haddock or cod) with vegetables and steak or chicken with vegetables
Whenever you see Ronaldo, he looks healthy and his performances are always top level – and a lot of that comes down to his diet. Famous for being a master disciplinarian, all his meals are colourful, well balanced and highly nutritious. He eats lots of lean protein sources to help maintain muscle mass and aid recovery and he always opts for good quality carbohydrates for long sustained energy and better mental clarity (wholegrains, vegetables, fruits etc.).
I’m not sure so many meals would work for other athletes, which shows what a unique character he is.
Kante & Trent Alexander-Arnold
Red pesto pasta:
This is a great option three hours prior to a game for those who are going to be covering the pitch, especially Kante. The complex carbohydrates in pasta provide a sustained release of energy – so there’s no shame in indulging in another nation’s favourite dish! This steady energy release can help athletes maintain performance levels throughout the game without experiencing rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
It is important to consume this meal 3 hours before the game to allow for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. If you get the timing right then this meal will really help you over the duration of an intense football match. Don’t eat a meal like this too close to kick-off, otherwise you may get digestive discomfort.
Lukaku
Omelette with ham
With a 3pm kick-off, some players like to carb load the night before and the morning of a game and then have a lighter pre-match meal to avoid feeling heavy in games. Lukaku used to have pasta before games before changing it up for an omelette.
I know lots of players who do this and it is all about finding your winning formula and going into games feeling great. Unfortunately, in the 2017 season, Lukaku was feeling fantastic when I played against him for AFCB. He scored 4 goals for Everton and they smashed us 6-3… a great game for the neutrals.
Nathan Ake
Green pesto pasta with chicken and some toast
I played with Nathan, he is the ultimate professional and has got his pre match spot on. This meal is a great balance of protein and carbs to help fuel performance for 90-100 minutes and optimise recovery.
There’s every chance that the Dutch will have a good run this tournament and I’d expect to see Nathan look one of the best fuelled on the pitch until the very end.
To shop the bundles, simply order from your local One Stop or Morrisson’s Daily on the app, and look out for the ‘Meals of Champions’ category. Download the app here.
Just Eat is also helping Brits bag their favourite items by giving 50% off 100s of grocery favourites – only on a Wednesday. From meats for mid-week BBQs to summery fruits and glorious greens, savvy shoppers can get their hands on bargain prices to ensure their fridge is full and ready for any occasion. Available across thousands of supermarkets and convenience stores, including Sainsbury’s, Co-Op and One stop, this offer will be available for Brits across the UK, via the Just Eat app.
