SunSport takes to the streets to see what the public make of Mate ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Belgium
ENGLAND are taking a leaf out of the South American's book by drinking their TEA in Russia.
A caffeine-rich infused drink called Mate, usually served in a traditional container, comes recommended by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Tottenham stars Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose are among the Three Lions using the drink to fuel their World Cup campaign.
And SunSport has tested the beverage on the English public to see if its claims to have performance-boosting benefits hold water.
Trying out the hot drink on punters in Borough Market, we had a wealth of positive replies.
One tester claimed: "I'm buzzing! But I think that's also because it's a really nice day."
Mate tea is a traditional herbal infusion from South America that produces a cup with grassy notes and a mild sharpness, according to TWG Tea.
It naturally contains a high level of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants... even more so than traditional green tea.
Mate is caffeine-rich and originates from Paraguay - but has since been adopted by much of South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay.
Another added: "Interesting... maybe a little stronger [than green tea]."
A third said: "It's nice. I'm not much of a tea drinker, but it is nice. I don't mind it."
One simply quipped: "It's not bad."
Before heading to Russia for the summer, Spurs ace Dier had his say on Mate.
He claimed: “At Tottenham, quite a lot of us have started drinking this thing called Mate. I am a bit addicted to it!
“At Tottenham, we have a lot of Argentinians at the club, so I started drinking it with them.
“And now we are trying to pretend to be South Americans!
"I haven’t introduced it to the boys here at England but me and Danny Rose have a quiet one in our room sometimes.”
Rose added: “The Spurs boys drink quite a lot and the gaffer — he loves it.
“Me and Eric spend our afternoons playing UNO and sipping tea.”
Mate was first consumed by the indigenous Guarani and was used by the Tupi for medicinal purposes.
Brazil is the largest producer with 53 per cent, followed by Argentina with 37 per cent and Paraguay with 10 per cent.
Uruguay is the largest consumer in the world.
It has become a craze in the Premier League following the influx of South American players.
