“I wasn’t a good footballer before, I use to get tired quickly but after i started eating this exact food, my football changed. This food helped my career and a lot of other players”-Kobbie Mainoo reveals what food he eats the before every Man Utd and England match.
The anticipation for Euro 2024 is building, and it’s no secret that some players have pre-game rituals they adhere to before stepping onto the pitch for their inaugural match of the tournament.
Superstitions are deeply ingrained in English football culture, with numerous players admitting they can’t compete without performing their specific routines. A well-known example is England’s right-back Kyle Walker, who has worn the same pair of shin pads for an impressive 14 years. Another notable mention is Luke Shaw, who has shared that he consistently dons a pair of socks featuring his son’s face for every game.
This tradition of pre-game rituals isn’t just limited to current players; even former England stars had their own superstitions. Gary Neville, for example, disclosed on the Football, Music and Me podcast that he always had to wear a pair of lucky white underpants before each match, as he believed it was essential for his preparedness.
Recently, rising star Kobbie Mainoo shared his own unique superstition. In a discussion on the Lions’ Den series, Mainoo mentioned that although he tries to avoid rigid superstitions and varies his routine before each game, he consistently eats the same meal—pesto pasta—prior to every match for both Manchester United and England.
Mainoo’s role could be pivotal for England in Euro 2024, given the current uncertainty surrounding the midfield lineup. While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are assured starters, the competition for the third midfield position is wide open. Trent Alexander-Arnold seems the most probable choice for this spot, but Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, or Mainoo himself could secure a starting position if they manage to impress during training sessions.
Mainoo’s international journey began just three months ago when he made his senior debut as a 75th-minute substitute in England’s 1-0 friendly loss to Brazil in March. Prior to this, he had been a regular at various youth levels for England, representing the U17, U18, and U19 teams.
As Euro 2024 approaches, it’s clear that superstitions and rituals will continue to play a significant role in the mental preparation of England’s footballers, blending tradition with the hopes of achieving success on one of the biggest stages in international football.
