1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst is calling on football fans to get behind our national dish as well as our national team if we want success at this year’s tournament.
Responding to a survey by London-based chip shop chain Poppies that three quarters (72%) of fans opt for a pizza, burger, hot dog when watching international matches, Sir Geoff believes the nation is missing a trick with their food choices and possibly even jinxing England’s chances. Calling on fans to make a simple matchday swap when the 2026 World Cup kicks off this week, he said: “When it comes to watching England, fish & chips should be as much part of the matchday ritual as singing Three Lions. I was shocked when I heard how few fans are choosing fish & chips – how can you cheer on England with a slice of pizza in your hand?! This could be the reason why England hasn’t won in the last 60 years!”
Back in 1966, the fervour of fan support created a palpable feeling that Sir Geoff said buoyed the team on to their historic victory. Now, 60 years on, he’s urging fans to start the same wave of patriotic pride, adding: “With all the wonderful rituals fans have, it seems far more likely that eating England’s most iconic dish will spur the team on to victory than wearing lucky pants! If we want to recreate that winning spirit, we need to get behind our national dish as well as our national team.”
The poll also revealed that 58% of fans believe in luck and do all sorts of things to get good luck or avoid bad luck, such as knock on wood, salute a magpie or throw spilled salt over their left shoulder. And almost half (45%) of the nation’s footie fans have specific matchday rituals to bring their team good luck, including wearing lucky pants, kissing the team badge, or sitting in the same spot when watching a game.
A spokesperson for Poppies suggests perhaps it’s time to add a lucky supper to the list, commenting: “Fish and chips isn’t just a meal, it’s a tradition that brings people together just like football. This campaign is about celebrating English culture, supporting local chippies, and giving fans another reason to get excited on match day. So our message is: back the team, support your chippie, and treat yourself!”
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