Chef Jonny Marsh reveals his expertise and top nutrition tips for the squad.
With Spain being named 2026’s World Cup winners, former chef Jonny Marsh, known as the Football Feeder, reveals what the England squad will be doing to prepare for the Premier League, as well as how they will be fuelling themselves in their post-match recovery.
Speaking to Betway, Jonny lifts the lid on the stars enjoying a much-needed break from their strict schedules and training, but will soon be focusing their efforts on bouncing back for the Premier League.
The chef also explains what foods they will be consuming in their post-recovery, but shares his expertise and insight into their eating habits for the upcoming season.
In our exclusive interview, Jonny Marsh reveals:
What will the team be doing to recover post-World Cup?
Post-match, it’s all about hydration and refuelling. Players will usually eat fairly quickly after the game to top up on energy stores, especially in hot conditions. You might still see the occasional cheat meal like pizza or fried chicken in the dressing room, although during tournaments, most players tend to keep things a bit more controlled until the later stages. Alongside food, recovery drinks with ingredients like ginger and turmeric are also commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties and to help support recovery.
How will the players refuel and prepare for the Premier League?
I don’t think diets would change, maybe not as much, and they’ll ease their way into fuelling fully ready for the Premier League season.
Why won’t their diets change?
Their diets won’t change because they have eaten the same way for the whole year and they know how their bodies respond to certain foods and quantities. For the new Premier League season, diets again will be monitored by their clubs as they check back in for fitness testing. Then will be eating exactly how they’ve eaten all year and fuelling for the weekend games.
What are the differences in diet and lifestyle for a goalkeeper and a striker?
Diets can be very positional. Goalkeepers need to be big and strong, while also being agile. Although a lot of this comes down to genetics, eating a high-carb and protein-rich diet would work amazingly well to ensure the player is feeling ready to perform! But also, eating things like fish to help with concentration during games would also be a great benefit.
Who was the fussiest when it comes to eating that you cooked for, and why?
I’ve had a few fussy players; it’s normally a young player that doesn’t eat much vegetables. They’re always tough to change their idea of what a plate of food should look like.
Which England player you’ve worked with has the best discipline?
John Terry, without a doubt. I worked closely with him when he moved from Chelsea to Aston Villa. It was one of the most enjoyable periods I’ve had cooking. He was extremely disciplined and often spoke about the 1% club and how much he wanted to be part of it. He was fully committed to maximising his performance. He might be less strict now he’s retired, but during his playing career, he prioritised high protein and vegetables and avoided heavy carbohydrate meals. He liked sous vide chicken and vegetables cooked in the bag. He was very specific, but he saw his diet as a real investment in himself.
Do footballers have cheat meals?
I would say 99% of players have a cheat meal. These athletes are burning huge amounts of energy, so they can afford it occasionally, but it is usually planned around recovery or rest days rather than before a match. Most of the time it is simple comfort food like burgers and chips. I’ve worked a lot with England goalie Jordan Pickford and he loves Nando’s and curries. I often make healthier versions with plenty of chicken, vegetables and flavour. I also make a chicken tikka masala he really likes. Healthy food does not have to be boring.
