Bangers ban on our boys

England's World Cup squad has been banned from eating mayonnaise and bangers, it has been revealed.

While Sven Goran Eriksson's players may be pinning their hopes on the nutritional values of the humble Jaffa Cake, a list of foodstuffs which could prove treacherous to England's cause has been prepared by the team's official chef.

Topping the list of banned substances are fatty sausages and mayonnaise along with shellfish and sushi because of the high risk of food poisoning.

One England official said: "Can you imagine the outcry if David Beckham was unable to play after all he has been through because of a dodgy stomach after eating raw seafood or shellfish?

"We need him out there and he is so desperate to play. He is doing his best to be ready for the first game against Sweden and we can't afford to have him laid up ill after all the work that has been done to get his foot injury treated."

The squad's chef, Roger Narbett, has banned high-fat foods to ensure that the players' fitness and energy levels are kept as high as possible.

Mayonnaise has at least a 56 per cent fat content and a 500g jar typically contains an enormous 2,765 calories.

Mr Narbett, an award-winning chef who has worked at the Savoy, the Dorchester and Le Gavroche, said: "I won't be packing the mayonnaise. I know the players love the stuff but I can't justify taking something with such a high fat content.

"We will be eating very low-fat dressings to help us get the players to peak fitness."

Curry and other Indian food, pork pies and even popcorn have also been added to the list of nutritional no-go areas for the squad because of their high-fat contents.

Butter on toast and Danish pastries will be absent from the breakfast table and the use of sugar will be discouraged. Instead of puddings, players will be urged to eat fruit. The squad's carefully planned menu will also include vegetables, pasta, chicken and salads.

The players will be told to drink up to five litres of water each day because of the humidity in Japan - and alcohol will be strictly off limits during the tournament. The players have been warned that they could lose up to half a stone in weight during each match because of the heat.

Nutrition expert Sarah Schenker, of the British Nutritional Foundation, said: "Fat is pretty useless as a provider of energy for sport. Footballers need carbohydrates because they are the principal source of energy.

"England's chef is trying to ensure that the players' diet is about 60 per cent carbohydrates, which will be stored in the muscle as glycogen - to provide instant energy."

Ms Schenker, a former nutritionist with Norwich City FC, added: "Alcohol - even a few beers - dehydrates you. Sporting performance will be affected."

Boxes of Jaffa Cakes are being transported to Japan as they have a high energy content and are low in fat, meaning that they can give tired players a rush of energy.

Bananas and bottles of squash will also be available.

The 23-man squad's diet has been designed to ensure their bodies take in 60 per cent carbohydrates, 25 per cent fat and 15 per cent protein.

The combination, put together by nutritionists, will help the squad to hit maximum fitness.

In the last World Cup, coach Glenn Hoddle banned baked beans.

England has not left anything to chance since the 1970 tournament when England were knocked out after goalkeeper Gordon Banks was struck down by food poisoning on the eve of a game against West Germany.

Sir Cliff shows his bottle
WORLD CUP - news and analysis
England's injury problems grow