How Italia 90 set the standard for England's sports science

The Birth of Modern Sports Science in English Football

The 1990 World Cup, Italia 90, was a pivotal moment for English football, marking the beginning of a new era in sports science. Prof John Brewer, the Football Association's first head of human performance, was tasked with preparing Bobby Robson's side for the Italian summer. Using then-cutting-edge technology, including a BBC microcomputer, a dot-matrix printer, and Polar heart-rate monitors, Brewer assessed each player's fitness before, during, and after training.

The Innovative Approach of Prof John Brewer

Brewer's methods were initially met with skepticism, but his data-driven approach proved invaluable. He conducted bleep tests at Lilleshall before the team flew to Italy, again upon arrival, and a third time after a fortnight's training in the hottest part of the day. This allowed him to prove to the players that they had adapted to the heat and could maintain their high-tempo game.

The Impact on Player Performance

Brewer's work had a significant impact on player performance. He persuaded Robson that players needed more carbohydrates before games, although there were some initial hiccups, such as the infamous swordfish steaks served before a match. Brewer also worked closely with players like Paul Gascoigne, who got down to around 10% body fat for Italia 90, and was 'probably the fittest he had ever been.'

The Evolution of Sports Science

Brewer's pioneering work laid the foundation for modern sports science in English football. Today, players use super-light wearables to track their blood oxygen levels, skin temperatures, and sleep, and have access to hyperbaric chambers for recovery. Brewer's legacy continues to influence the sport, with his work serving as a reminder of how far sports science has come.

The Future of Sports Science

As Brewer notes, players are fitter nowadays, and have a lot more help too. With the frequency of high-intensity games higher than ever before, sports science will continue to play a crucial role in helping players optimize their performance. The evolution of sports science will undoubtedly continue, with new technologies and techniques emerging to support the development of elite athletes.