England's World Cup squad banned from ketchup and mayo as chef reveals strict Norway prep

England’s players are reportedly being steered away from ketchup and mayonnaise as part of a strict nutritional regime in the build-up to their World Cup match against Norway, according to personal chef Jonny Marsh.

Marsh, who goes by the nickname ‘The Football Feeder’ and has cooked for around 100 Premier League players including Jordan Pickford, says the condiment ban is not a new phenomenon. “A few years ago things like ketchup and mayonnaise were pretty much cut out in a lot of setups, not just with England but across the Premier League too,” he said. “It wasn’t really a single manager’s rule, more a general shift in how clubs approached nutrition. It was mainly down to them being high in sugar and fats, so players were encouraged to avoid them with meals.”

Marsh also revealed that England’s pre-match nutritional preparation begins well before kick-off. For a Saturday fixture, players start gradually increasing their carbohydrate intake as early as Thursday. “The day before the match, both lunch and dinner are more carb-focused, often with foods like pasta or rice to help top up energy stores,” he explained. “On matchday morning, players typically have a lighter meal with some protein and a small amount of veg, but fibre is kept low. The focus shifts back towards easily digestible carbohydrates so they are fuelled without feeling too heavy going into the game.”

Beetroot is set to feature prominently in the squad’s diet, with Marsh noting its properties in supporting exercise performance. Players may also consume beetroot shots before the match itself.

With soaring temperatures a major talking point throughout the tournament, hydration is another central pillar of England’s preparation. Marsh expects hydrating ingredients such as watercress and cucumber to feature in the squad’s salads, alongside hydration sachets and fresh juices made from melon, beetroot, oranges, and lemons. “Players will also be taking hydration sachets throughout the day, along with fresh juices made from melon, beetroot, oranges and lemons to help maintain fluid balance,” he said.

Post-match recovery nutrition is equally important, Marsh added, with players eating quickly after the final whistle to replenish energy stores — particularly in hot conditions.