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.

Euro 2024 is approaching, and it’s no surprise that some players adhere to superstitions before their first game of the tournament.

Superstitions are common in English football, with several players revealing they can’t play a match without performing their rituals. England right-back Kyle Walker, for example, has worn the same pair of shin pads for 14 years. Likewise, Luke Shaw has shared that he always wears socks featuring his son’s face in every match.

Even past England legends had their superstitions. Gary Neville, for instance, revealed on the Football, Music and Me podcast that he had to wear a pair of lucky white underpants for every match to feel prepared to play.

Recently, young talent Kobbie Mainoo shared his own superstition. Speaking on the Lions’ Den series, Mainoo mentioned that while he tries to avoid superstitions and varies his routine before every game, he consistently eats the same meal, pesto pasta, before each match for Manchester United or England.

Mainoo could play a crucial role for England at Euro 2024, given the uncertainty in the midfield lineup. While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are certain starters, the third midfield spot is still undecided. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the most likely candidate, but Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, or Mainoo could start if they impress in training.

Mainoo made his international debut three months ago, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute in England’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in March. Prior to his senior debut, Mainoo represented England at the youth level, playing for the U17, U18, and U19 teams.