England’s secrets for Euro 2024 success, from pickle juice to £3,400 electric bikes and getting players to mimic rivals
ENGLAND have a few secrets for success at Euro 2024.
While on pitch talent is integral to progressing to the latter stages of the competition, Gareth Southgate is aware that maintaining good spirits and ensuring fast recovery is also vital.
England did exactly that at previous tournaments under Southgate by allowing the players to unwind with various post-match activities.
Spending time in the pool with inflatable unicorns was the most memorable example of that, and although that could return, Southgate’s boys opted for an alternative after beating Serbia 1-0.
There have also been changes to nutrition and training, with certain players instructed to carry out unique roles.
Electric bikes
The players who featured in the Three Lions’ opening match of the Euros enjoyed a leisurely bike ride near the Weimarer Spa & Golf Resort – England’s base hotel.
As well as being an enjoyable activity for players, the session was carefully planned by the physical performance and nutrition team to aid recovery post-match.
The likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham rode KTM and Scott electric bikes, provided by a local cycle shop in Blankenhain and priced at an average of about £3,380 on the shop’s website.
Recovery methods
Cycling is a key recovery method that has been introduced alongside games of American Football and cryotherapy.
The nutrionist team have also brought in PICKLE JUICE as a secret to speedy recovery.
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Four dilemmas for Southgate ahead of England's second Euro 2024 clash
GARETH SOUTHGATE has plenty to think about ahead of Thursday’s second Group C game against Denmark.
SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT looks at the major issues facing the England boss…
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Southgate believes the Liverpool right-back could ultimately be an outstanding partner for Declan Rice in midfield. Alexander-Arnold did OK in the 1-0 win over Serbia but he is a work in progress in this position — to put it mildly. Asked about his display, Southgate said: “It seemed he was great when we were in control but struggled a bit when we lost control.” Conor Gallagher was introduced and he made England more solid. If Alexander-Arnold is dropped for Denmark, the entire experiment is over.
PHIL FODEN
The Manchester City star is becoming an enigma, which is such a shame. Particularly as he has come off an absolutely terrific season for City. Foden has now played 35 times for England and you can count the good games on one hand. Southgate will surely stick with Foden for the Denmark match rather than unleash Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze. If Foden struggles on Thursday, Southgate has to make the call and replace him after an hour.
KIERAN TRIPPIER
The Newcastle defender did well against Serbia even though he is not fully fit, having only just returned from a long lay-off. Add the fact he is right-footed and neither is he a perfect fit on the left. Southgate aims to start Luke Shaw when he is 100 per cent but this is unlikely to be against Denmark.
HARRY KANE
The England captain nearly scored his 64th international goal when he hit the bar — but it was still a struggle. He only touched the ball twice in the first half. Kane is certainly not dropping as deeply as he has in the past so the service has to be better. Equally, he does not look totally match sharp. He missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich with a back injury although he returned as a sub for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The slight concern over Kane was one reason a third striker, Ivan Toney, was added to the squad, with both James Maddison and Jack Grealish missing out.
The juice is effective in combating cramp and was used by Kieran Trippier against Serbia.
It contains vinegar, sodium and potassium and triggers a reflex in the mouth that directs a signal to stop muscles from cramping.
It is said to be more effective and act “40 per cent faster than drinking water” and has been used by tennis stars including Carlos Alcaraz.
Players pretending to be the opposition
Southgate handed out special roles to two England players ahead of the opening match – Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
Neither had the opportunity to play alongside Kane in training as they were instead tasked with “pretending to be Serbia”.
Watkins revealed he took on the role of Dusan Vlahovic with Toney acting as Aleksandar Mitrovic to test out the England defence.
The Aston Villa striker enjoyed the sessions saying:
“We weren’t too bad! Ivan makes a good Mitrovic and I was Vlahovic.”