Revealed: Why England squad is taking pickle juice at Euro 2024 with mystery liquid leading to doping allegations

In the closing stages of the game, Kieran Trippier, England's trusted full-back, was seen consuming a liquid from a sachet. The incident occurred after the defender, who has been filling in for the injured Luke Shaw, appeared to suffer from cramps and fell to the ground. The swift recovery and the peculiar nature of the sachets led to a social media frenzy. Eagle-eyed fans and sceptics alike took to various platforms to speculate about the contents of the sachets. Some even went as far as to accuse Trippier of doping live on television.

Contrary to the unfounded doping allegations, it was soon revealed that Trippier's 'magic potion' was nothing more than a combination of pickle juice and a high-carbohydrate drink known as a 'fuel bomb.' Pickle juice, despite its unconventional appeal, has been used by athletes across various sports for its unique properties that help combat muscle cramps. The drink is particularly effective due to its composition of vinegar, sodium, and potassium, which trigger a reflex that stops muscles from cramping.

This reaction is significantly faster than hydrating with water alone, reportedly stopping cramps up to 40 per cent faster. Additionally, pickle juice offers other health benefits: it improves gut health due to its antioxidants, helps control blood sugar levels, and can even freshen breath by killing bacteria in the mouth.

While the use of pickle juice might sound novel, it is far from a new secret in the world of sports. Former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira was seen drinking pickle juice during a match against Chelsea in 2019. Similarly, tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz have been spotted consuming it during high-stakes matches, including his memorable five-set win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.

For the England squad, the strategic use of pickle juice is part of a broader approach to player health and performance. As they prepare for their next match against Denmark on Thursday the focus now is on maintaining their momentum and ensuring that all players are at the peak of their health.