WATCHING England at the Euros could prove fatal for Three Lions fans, a top heart doctor warns.
Frustration and anger caused by manager Gareth Southgate’s defensive style of play causes stress levels to rocket during games.
Watching England at the Euros could prove fatal for Three Lions fans, a top heart doctor warns (stock picture)Alamy Live News
Frustration and anger caused by manager Gareth Southgate’s defensive style of play causes stress levels to rocket during games
And heavy match-day boozing combined with the elation of a desperate late comeback like Sunday’s against Slovakia could be a killer.
World renowned English heart expert Dr Dorian Dugmore declared: “Watching England can seriously damage your health.
“Southgate gets results and winning ugly is still winning — but it’s fair to say his tactics are on the cautious side at the moment.
“That contributes to fans’ negative emotions, including anxiety and frustration, which increase stress levels and heart risks.
“Attack-minded play — like Spain has shown — creates positive emotions and feel-good chemicals including endorphins.
“But defensive, restrictive play does not do that.
“Fans’ frustration over players not meeting expectations also contributes to stress chemicals and risks to the heart.”
Heart attacks in England rose by nearly a quarter when the team lost on penalties to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, from a daily average of 77 to 100.
Southgate’s infuriating tactics are believed to have ramped up risks during the current tournament — particularly for fans who drink too much in Germany or while glued to the action on TV.
Huge angst is feared when his strugglers meet a slick Swiss team in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Dr Dugmore, a board member of the industry-leading Nucleus of Sport Cardiology, urged fans to make drinking and diet changes ahead of the big match.
He advised supporters to drink a pint-and-a-half of water for every pint of beer, eat a carbohydrate-heavy pre-match meal such as pasta, potatoes or rice and avoid caffeine.