Tuchel bans wheat and sugar from England training camp as strict diet rules emerge

Thomas Tuchel has imposed a strict no-wheat, no-sugar diet on his England squad, mirroring the nutritional rules he enforced during his time at Borussia Dortmund, according to former Dortmund goalkeeper Hendrik Bonmann.

Bonmann, who spent two years working under Tuchel at Dortmund, told the BBC World Football Podcast that the head coach placed heavy emphasis on diet and recovery alongside on-pitch discipline. “In Dortmund we had two points. We didn’t eat wheat and sugar. This was not allowed,” Bonmann said. “We had a cook who makes very, very good food, just healthy food with everything. You had salad, meat, fish, vegetables — but no wheat, no sugar. But it was very good, it was enough.”

Bonmann added that the rules were not entirely without exception. “After game, sometimes after Champions League wins, we also get some burger or some pizza.”

Tuchel himself has previously described his personal approach to food as that of an “imperfect vegetarian”, saying he tries to avoid meat and fish where possible while still allowing himself pizza and spaghetti bolognese. During his time at Chelsea, he said he was not a strict vegan but tried to maintain a largely meat-free diet.

England captain Harry Kane has echoed the importance of nutrition at international level. “We have a couple of nutritionists at the club level and we also have one here with England,” Kane said. “Nutrition has become a significant part of sport, particularly football. Considering the number of games we play, recovery is crucial, and food plays a big role in that — ensuring we get the right nutrients at the right time.”

Kane outlined his own match-week approach: “I will have salad and veg with every meal. I try to get as many nutrients as I can from food. I balance protein and carbs, leaning more towards carbs before a game. On lighter training days, I might cut out carbs for a meal and go for protein and veg.”

Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, reportedly follows a four-meal-a-day structure, with Greek yoghurt and oats at breakfast and grilled meat with vegetables for dinner, according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito.

Jonny Marsh, a chef who has prepared meals for around 100 Premier League players including Jordan Pickford, has previously noted that England’s pre-match dietary regime begins several days before kick-off, with a gradual increase in carbohydrate intake as the game approaches.