Four England football stars, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Kieran Trippier, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, traded their football skills for aprons as they participated in a unique baking challenge judged by Paul Hollywood.
The competition unfolded at St George’s Park, adding a sweet twist to their routine ahead of their match against Malta at Wembley on Friday night.
Baking Challenge and Culinary Struggles:
Gingerbread Man Challenge:
The footballers were given the task of designing, baking, and decorating a gingerbread man inspired by their football heroes.
They had 35 minutes to complete the challenge, showcasing their culinary prowess.
The twist in the challenge aimed to test their creativity and skills beyond the football field.
Culinary Hiccups and Fun Rivalries:
Among the participants, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice encountered challenges, needing assistance in using utensils and facing difficulties in transferring his creation.
A playful rivalry emerged as Henderson seemed to playfully target Alexander-Arnold, attempting to steal his flour and creating a light-hearted obstruction in the kitchen.
Trippier admitted feeling more nervous in the kitchen than on the football field, emphasizing his wife’s cooking expertise.
Controversy and Impartiality Concerns:
Controversy arose when questions were raised about the impartiality of Paul Hollywood, a known Liverpool fan.
Hollywood playfully remarked, “If you play for Liverpool, you should probably win; the rest of you, good luck!” The banter added a humorous touch to the baking competition.
Judgment and Player Choices:
Hollywood’s Feedback:
As nerves set in, the players received feedback from Hollywood on their gingerbread creations.
Comments like ‘well-baked biscuit,’ ‘a bit rough around the edges,’ ‘a bit underbaked but good kit,’ and ‘not a bad effort’ reflected Hollywood’s critique.
Player Choices and Final Ratings:
Each player chose a football hero to recreate in gingerbread form.
Rice chose John Terry, Trippier opted for Wayne Rooney, Henderson favored Paul Gascoigne, and Alexander-Arnold went for Steven Gerrard.
The final ratings for their creations ranged from 1/5 to 4/5, adding a competitive edge to the baking challenge.
Outcome and Anticipation:
Awaiting the Star Baker:
The final creations will be revealed on Channel 4’s YouTube channel on Friday at 5.30 pm, building anticipation among viewers to see who will be crowned the star baker.
The fun and light-hearted baking challenge offered a unique glimpse into the off-field talents of England’s football stars.
Broadcast Information:
The England vs. Malta match will be broadcast on Channel 4 from 7 pm on Friday, providing fans with a blend of football and the entertaining Bake Off challenge.