An ITV commentator has left fans baffled with his extremely disciplined eating habits while covering the World Cup. 

Former England player Andros Townsend proudly showed off his pre-prepared, grisly-looking steak, sardines, bone broth, and eggs to devour while staying in a hotel room in Mexico.

He says taking a trip abroad is no excuse to let your dietary standards slip – which perhaps translates to declining any gigantic American pizzas on offer.

Townsend, 34, regularly shares his culinary masterpieces – typically presented with his tee-shirt off – in a bid to encourage his viewers to eat ‘real food’.

He said in his latest video: ‘Everybody wants to be healthy until it becomes inconvenient. 

‘I’m in Mexico for the next three days, staying in a hotel.

Andros Townsend has left people battled with his diet on commentary duty in Mexico 

The 34-year-old is still playing in Thailand and wants to remain in good condition 

‘It would’ve been easy for me to say: “The food options aren’t great, I’ll just eat whatever.” Instead, I prepared.

‘I cooked a steak from my Airbnb in the US, packed it in this cooler bag with some ice, and took it on the plane. 

‘I bought six cans of sardines and I’m eating two each day. Packed a bone broth [and] finally I grabbed six hard-boiled eggs from the restaurant in the hotel.

‘I’m getting the complete protein and all nine essential amino acids from the egg and the steak. I’m getting my omega-3 from my sardines. And I’m getting my collagen from the bone broth.

‘Still getting 150 grams to 200 grams of protein while I’m here. Is it perfect? No, but it’s a lot better than using being away from home as an excuse to eat ultra-processed foods and seed oils all week.

‘You can always find a reason why you can’t or you can find a way.’

Some of Townsend’s viewers felt that the 34-year-old could lighten up a bit, with one writing: ‘Bro live life and enjoy it. Get a Taco or four, it won’t kill you!’

Another said: ‘Get some tacos, boss, you’re on holiday.’

One commented: ‘I would’ve just gone on Uber Eats but fair play.’

In any case, it’s not all boring recipes with Townsend, though, as he did post a ‘healthy’ ice cream tutorial a few days ago.

Perhaps we would do well to take advice from Townsend, who has amassed 515 appearances for club and country throughout his career.

He hasn’t retired and still plays for Kanchanaburi Power in Thailand. 

His good diet should, at least, keep him energetic through what will be a demanding schedule as a co-commentator for ITV.

Townsend has won plaudits for his eloquence and insightful analysis when he picks up the microphone.