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TOP footballer Toni Duggan is vowing that she and her England team-mates can lift the World Cup next year in France telling the Daily Star: “I believe we have what it takes!”
And, ahead of a crucial qualifier against Wales on August 31, the striker has certainly proved she’s fighting fit by posing like her wrestling hero Ronda Rousey for the new video game WWE 2K19.
Here the 27-year-old, who also plays for Spanish side Barcelona, tells JAMES MOORE about the diet and fitness routine that keeps her scoring…
Tell us about your fitness routine?
At Barca, we train six days a week, including game day, which involves two hours per day on the field. Usually we get one or two rest days depending on how heavy the previous week’s schedule has been. Two to three times a week we do core exercises in the outdoor gym before training and once or twice a week we go to the gym and do heavier stuff.
What’s the worst and best part of training?
The toughest part of training is pre-season. Double sessions every day can be difficult. The thing I enjoy most is practising my finishing. Every striker likes to score goals.
What’s your current level of fitness?
Even during the off-season I trained, so I was ready when we came back for pre-season training. Specifically, my five- and 10-yard sprints are usually very good and I can do 8-10 pull ups in the gym.
What do you do for recovery after games?
After games we always get an ice bath. A protein shake is important and so is replacing any lost salts through food plus plenty of fluids. Yoga can be good for your body and help to ease any aches and pains.
Do you do any other activities?
In the past I liked to box though I can’t profess to be particularly good. I love how much discipline is required and the different types of training they do, both physically and mentally – it really tests you. I imagine this sort of approach would be similar to what wrestling requires, so I have a huge amount of respect for athletes like Rounda Rousey.
What is your typical breakfast?
I like to have poached eggs on toast because they are a great source of protein. I have them with two pieces of brown toast or a bagel. It’s good to get some carbs in before training.
How about lunch?
We always eat at the training ground together and I tend to have the same thing each day: plenty of chicken – more protein – with some rice. Sometimes they do paella, which is my favourite.
What do you snack on?
I really like hummus. I tend to
TREATS: Chocolate and Scouse stew have that with some breadsticks or sometimes a protein bar.
Name your favourite dinner…
Anything from sea bass and noodles to salmon and rice. I like a nice stir fry too because they are quick and easy to make. Or a nice pan of Scouse (a Liverpudlian stew) from my mum when I’m home, I miss that.
And your perfect meal out?
If it’s a cheat meal then I would go for an Indian or a Chinese. However, I also love Nando’s because you can keep that fairly healthy.
What’s your ultimate guilty pleasure?
I have a sweet tooth, so I love to SIMPLY ACE: Toni, right, playing for England. Below left, her top snack hummus have a bit of chocolate now and then.
Do you take supplements?
I take multivitamins each day, that I feel help me, and also omega 3, which is important for your body, especially your bones.
Do you have a particular match day diet?
If it’s an early morning kick-off I would have a big meal the night before and then in the morning have a poached egg on toast with some beans. For an evening game I would have chicken and pasta or chicken, rice and vegetables.
How do you see England’s prospects in the World Cup?
First, we need to qualify. We have tough games against Wales and Kazakhstan that we need to get past. We have done well in the previous two tournaments but now I believe we have what it takes. Never say never.