A TOP Worcestershire chef is helping the England squad's bid to win the World Cup by providing plenty of Jaffa Cakes and shepherd's pie.

Roger Narbett, head chef for the England football team is the owner of the Chequers Inn, Cutnall Green, near Droitwich, and The Bell and Cross in Clent, near Stourbridge.

He flew out to Germany on Sunday to start preparing for the arrival of the national football team.

Mr Narbett became a chef for England when the FA asked him to travel to the World Cup qualifying game in Albania in March 1989. He has been working for them since.

"It was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

"It's fantastic working for the England squad. Being a football fan myself, I feel I'm doing my bit for the team. I feel very proud to be here."

Speaking to the Worcester News from Germany, Mr Narbett revealed he has been providing a wide selection of buffet-style foods such as fish, chicken, rice, salad and plenty of vegetables for the players.

"The intensity of the food will increase for the game on Saturday - but tonight they are all having shepherd's pie," he said.

"It's all good nutritious food that I'm providing."

As well as plenty of fruit and vegetables for the squad,

Mr Narbett will be providing high-fuelled carbohydrate drinks for the team to

have during training sessions and matches.

Mr Narbett, who lives in Clent, has ordered hundreds of Jaffa Cakes to be handed out to the players. He said: "They are low in fat, and full of energy and carbohydrates, which is ideal."

He will be in for a busy time in Germany - getting up at 7am to serve breakfast for 8am, then lunch at 1pm and dinner at 7pm, while constantly having to provide the highest quality food.

"They are a great bunch of fellows - there is lots of banter, so they would not be slow in letting me know if there was a problem with the food," he said. "The team is very buoyant and everyone is really focused at the moment. It's very exciting for the nation."

Mr Narbett will spend the majority of his time in Germany working long and busy days, but being head chef for the England football squad does have the occasional perk.

"I travel to the hotel before the team to make sure everything is OK before they arrive - then travel back on the team coach - a privilege in itself."