What was your hairstyle like when you were younger?
Back in my school days, my hair was noticeably longer and naturally much lighter in color. It’s changed a bit over the years!
Who do you think has the best haircut in the England squad?
That’s a tough one! I don’t want to cause any dressing room debates because it’s definitely a hot topic amongst the lads. But if I had to pick one, I’d probably give the nod to Jack Grealish. You can tell he puts a lot of effort into his look!
Have you ever had your ears pierced?
Yes, I actually had both ears pierced when I was in secondary school. It was a bit of a trend at the time. However, I haven’t worn earrings since then, it’s just not really my style anymore.
Can you tell us about your tattoos? Are any of them secret?
I wouldn’t describe any of my tattoos as secrets, but they are all very personal to me. Each one has a specific meaning and represents something important in my life. They are a way for me to carry reminders of significant moments and beliefs.
What was the first aftershave you ever bought?
My first aftershave… that would definitely be Lynx Africa! Does that even count as aftershave? I vividly remember being around 11 years old, going into Boots with my mum, and asking her to buy me Lynx Africa. It was iconic back then, and I can still instantly recognize the smell. It brings back some memories!
What aftershave are you using now?
Now, I tend to switch things up depending on how I’m feeling. My usual go-to fragrances are Dior Sauvage, Tom Ford Ombre Leather, and Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male. I like having a bit of variety in my scents.
Have you ever tried fake tan?
Fake tan? No chance! It’s definitely not something I’ve ever experimented with or plan to.
Could you describe your typical workout routine?
Working out is a daily part of my life. I’ll train at the training ground with Manchester City, and then often do additional workouts at home, either right after training or later in the evening. As professional athletes, we have very structured and personalized training schedules. We’re fortunate to have fantastic coaching and sports science teams at both Manchester City and with England who really take great care of us in terms of our physical conditioning and training plans.
Do you make sure to eat your five servings of fruits and vegetables every day?
Absolutely, I definitely get my five-a-day, without a doubt. Fueling my body properly is essential to keep up with the demands of the season. Nutrition is such a crucial aspect for us as footballers. I make a conscious effort to always put the right foods into my body to ensure I’m performing at my best and recovering well. Of course, I allow myself a cheat day every now and then, but for the most part, I stick to a healthy and balanced diet.
How long does it usually take you to get ready when you’re going out for the evening?
Nights out are quite rare for me these days! But if we are heading out somewhere, maybe for a nice dinner, it honestly doesn’t take me long at all to get ready. I’m generally a pretty relaxed person and don’t like to stress too much about things like that. I prefer to keep things simple and efficient.
How do you typically relax in the evening?
Relaxing in the evening usually means spending quality time with my family. Because we are away from home so often due to football commitments, I cherish every opportunity I get to be with them. Family time is really important to me for unwinding and switching off from the pressures of football.
What are your bathtime essentials?
Do ice baths count as bathtime essentials for a footballer? We have plenty of those after matches to aid in recovery! In my personal time, I do enjoy a hot bath. The White Company Spa Restore Muscle Soak is a real game-changer, it smells incredible and is great for relaxing muscles. Or sometimes just good old Epsom salts do the trick.
What’s your bedtime routine? How do you get ready for bed?
Before bed, I make sure to have a good, nutritious meal to help with recovery overnight. Then, I like to chill out and relax, try to wind down properly before sleep. I try to stay off my phone for at least an hour before bed to help me switch off mentally. Then it’s just the usual bedtime admin – have a wash, brush my teeth, and then bed!
What time do you usually go to bed?
Normally, I aim to be in bed around 10pm. It’s important to get enough sleep to recover properly for training and matches.
How do you usually sleep? Are you a good sleeper?
Yes, thankfully, I always sleep well. I’m generally a good sleeper, which I think is a real positive. Good sleep is so important for performance and recovery.
What have you been dreaming of lately?
Lately, I’ve mostly been dreaming about… football! It seems even when I’m asleep, football is still on my mind!
