The former footballer always understood staying in shape was part of her job but after retiring from her sport in 2018, it took some time to enjoy working out again.

She told Women’s Health magazine: “I knew it was my job to make sure that I was the fittest and strongest every day when I arrived at the training ground.

“I think it’s only over the past year that I’ve fallen back in love with the dedication of training because of how it makes me feel.

“It makes me feel empowered. It sets me up for the day.”

Alex stays in shape with intermittent fasting, long walks, and fast-paced strength workouts in the mornings.

She said of the latter: “It’s 45 minutes, I’m in, I’m out, my body just loves it.”

The sports pundit turns 40 in October but she’d rather have a number of small celebrations over the year than a big party.

She said: “I’ve got a milestone of a birthday coming up.

“I just want to say yes to things and challenge myself and have fun this year…

“People are like, ‘We’re gonna have a massive party for you!’ and I’m like, ‘Nooo, I don’t even want to talk about it.’

“I’m that person where I’d rather celebrate and do something every month and when I look back on that year, I’d be like, ‘Wow, we celebrated.’

“Come October, that may look different but I’ve started the year thinking about, OK, every month I just want to have a little celebration or do something.”