Kyle Walker has confirmed that England players have been using pickle juice ‘secret potion’ for some time after it became a hot topic at Euro 2024.
Fans were left baffled on social media after images and videos of Three Lions star Kieran Trippier during the 1-0 over Serbia last Sunday went viral.
The Newcastle United defender was seen consuming two suspicious-looking sachets during the match, leading to false conspiracy theories that the the player was doping.
It has since been confirmed that Trippier was actually drinking pickle juice which several England stars are using to combat cramp late in games.
It is thought that pickle juice can stop cramp 40 per cent faster than drinking water, though Kobbie Mainoo recently revealed that he himself would not be trying it.
Walker has also now confirmed that he does not drink it either but is certain that the ‘secret potion’ has actually been a part of the game for a long time.
‘I think it’s been around for quite a while,’ the Manchester City defender said in the pre-match press conference ahead of England’s clash with Denmark on Thursday evening, whilst sat alongside Gareth Southgate.
‘It’s just been highlighted when Tripps had the picture and everything like that. I don’t take it personally, I keep myself well hydrated – like yourself boss!
‘I’ve been very fortunate not to receive the cramps or anything.
‘It’s part and parcel of football now. Football is developing and that’s something sports science think can benefit us at the late stage of the game.’
In the win over Serbia, England looked very tired and leggy in the second-half, and Southgate admits, it’s a tough balance to play the best team and keep everyone at 100 per cent.
‘It is a decision we have to make, not just for tomorrow but whenever we play,’ the manager said.
‘What’s the right physical level for the group? What’s right for individual players?
‘Players will benefit from having had the game [v Serbia], there’s been just about long enough recovery from that to help. We’ve got to balance whether to stick with what we did or change and refresh the team.’