DECLAN RICE has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top recruits this season, and his diet has played a significant role.

Last summer, the 25-year-old joined Arsenal for £105 million from West Ham, making him the club’s most expensive player.

And now he is aiming for European success with England.

Rice has been chosen to Gareth Southgate’s tentative 33-man England squad for Euro 2024, and he is almost certain to travel to Germany next month.

The midfielder has already played almost 4,200 minutes of football this season, but his “game-changing” diet has allowed him to perform consistently well.

Rice mentioned in an interview with Men’s Health UK that on match day, he generally eats a stack of pancakes.

He explained, “I eat four pancakes before a game. Covered with syrup or honey.

“I swear to God that it’s the best thing…” When I first joined the club, I noticed the [Arsenal] players eating them and thought, ‘What is going on here?’ But, honestly, it has been a game changer.

“I’m not sure what’s in them or what the science behind it is, but it gives me a lot of energy.

“I believe that is why I am able to move so freely about the pitch…If we play at 5.30pm, I’ll occasionally have eight pancakes in one day.

“I’ll have some at breakfast and I’ll have some more at 3.30pm before we play.”

Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League title bid this season.

The Gunners finished second in the table, two points behind Manchester City, after pushing the contest to the final day.