England legend ideas Man Utd switch goal as one to look at this World Cup
EXCLUSIVE England icon and ITV pundit Karen Carney has given her World Cup tips as she launches a campaign for change inside football stadiums
09:01, 12 Jun 2026
Karen Carney is a Beyond Meat ambassador
England legend and ITV pundit Karen Carney has picked her ones to watch this World Cup – as she calls for more healthy plant-based options to be served in football stadiums.
The former Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, Birmingham City and Chelsea midfielder has headed out to New York to join ITV’s World Cup coverage team at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Karen believes today’s fans are more health-conscious than ever and wants to see more high-protein, plant-based and healthier options available alongside traditional matchday favourites.
To mark the opening week of the World Cup, the ex-Lioness – who has followed a plant-based lifestyle for years and is a Beyond Meat ambassador – has also revealed her perfect match-day meal.
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The Lionesses icon, who 144 caps for her country, is a big fan of a high-protein burger inspired by the food she loves eating while watching football with friends and family. She has even created her own perfect high protein match day burger recipe.
And the 38-year-old pundit, from Birmingham, says football’s matchday food culture needs to evolve just as much as the game itself.
Karen said: “Fans are more health-conscious than ever and I would like to see more options at stadiums which consider these factors. It’s not about replacing matchday classics or taking away the fun of matchday food. It’s about giving people more choices.
“A really tasty plant-based burger, a high-protein wrap, or something fresh and filling can sit alongside the traditional favourites. Ultimately, I think stadium food needs to evolve in the same way football has evolved.”
As one of ITV’s lead World Cup pundits this summer, Karen says tournament days are all about simple, satisfying food that provides energy without adding stress.
Karen said: “The biggest lesson from elite sport is that food should help you perform and feel good, not add stress. Whether you’re playing in a tournament or watching from home, great food is part of the experience.
“My World Cup go-to would be a BBQ and my Beyond Burger with all the match-day extras – something that feels like a tasty treat but still gives you the energy to enjoy the game.” She added: “It feels like proper match-day food, tastes great and is easy to share.”
For the former Strictly Come Dancing competitor, the perfect World Cup gathering isn’t about complicated hosting. “Football brings people together, so for me it’s about friends, family, a great atmosphere and good food that’s easy to share.”
“No one remembers a perfect BBQ, they remember the atmosphere.” And if she’s hosting friends during the tournament, she’s choosing burgers, hot dogs, bowls and sharing dishes that allow everyone to help themselves and enjoy the occasion.
Karen believes the tournament is wide open but says there are five nations fans should keep a close eye on. “If you’re looking at the strongest contenders you have to mention teams like England, France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.”
She said “England absolutely have the talent to win a major tournament” but “I think France will be the ones to beat”.
While many England fans’ eyes will be on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Karen says she’s particularly interested to see which younger players emerge on the biggest stage.
She highlighted Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as one player she hopes has a strong tournament, adding: “Every tournament creates new heroes.”
The young midfielder, 23, has been linked with a blockbuster transfer to Manchester City or Manchester United, and Karen said she wants to see how he performs on football’s biggest stage.
United are reportedly set to move on to other targets after City made an offer worth more than £120million for Anderson.
