THE Three Lions added more paws to their roars – arriving in Germany to be greeted with portraits of their dogs!
Gareth Southgate’s men are up for the pup as well as the cup – with many players devoted pet owners.
Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Anthony Gordon have been televised putting their mutts through a Crufts-style agility challenge for Channel 4.
And there was a pictorial treat for the Euro 2024 favourites when they turned up at their hotel rooms.
The German hosts presented England stars with portraits of their dogs dressed as royalty.
It was a lovely touch – later reflected by the Three Lions’ official Instagram account.
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The social media team posted photos of nine of the drawings and asked fans to choose their “favourite”.
Eberechi Eze’s Shar Pei took pride of place for an enigmatic expression of either disdain or tiredness.
Its eyes were half-closed as it wore a huge white dress, big pearls and obligatory crown.
Meanwhile Dean Henderson’s pet was shown as a rather regal Rottweiler.
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THE Three Lions go into Euro 2024 hoping to collar only their second major trophy.
And when they won the 1966 World Cup, it needed a border collie named Pickles to find the trophy when it went missing.
So as England add a dog-style challenge to their build-up for Germany, here’s how they might line up if they want to match Euro icons of the past like Franz Barkenbauer, Johan Crufts and, erm, John Terrier.
Dean Hounderson
Kyle Walkies
Bark Guehi
Ebere-Chihuahua Eze
Jack Growlish
Collie Watkins
Jarrod Bone
Conor Ga-wagger
Kobbie Mainoofoundland
Harry Canine
Phil Fido
Manager: Ga-ruff Southgate
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And skipper Harry Kane’s chocolate Labrador appeared to be the happiest – with tongue hanging out, possibly hoping for walkies, despite having royal headwear perched precariously on its head.
By the middle of next month perhaps it could be the turn of the mutt’s owner to appear to be on cloud Kane-ine…
Lewis Dunk is something of a no-nonsense player on the pitch.
But his pair of Cockapoos were a dandy duo – more like the stars of aN historical romp than the pets of an old-fashioned defender.
Gallagher saw jaw-jaw over his future swapped with a Chow Chow – with his exotic pet appearing well suited to purple robes and a huge amulet.
Back-up keeper Dean Henderson’s rather regal Rottweiler shimmered in a bejewelled gold crown.
But the Cavapoo of first-choice stopper Jordan Pickford seemed to have a most perplexed look on its furry face.
That was puzzling – as it surely knows the Everton hero is one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet.
Adn what is it about keepers and their dogs?
Aaron Ramsdale’s huge fluffy friend also wore an unsettled expression – maybe reflecting the Arsenal’s man’s worries over his club future.
Ramsdale, however, has previously revealed what a pressure-release having a dog is.
He told Sky News: “It helps so much. We’ve got a little group at football. So me, Rob Holding, and Kieran Tierney have done a few dog walks, which is great.
“Hardly speak about football when we go on these long walks. But even just myself, if it’s either a street walk, or a park, or a field, you don’t think about much – you’re just out in the open.”
The pet of England’s training stopper Tom Heaton also sprung a surprise.
The Alsatian wore an ultra serious glare – even though you’d hope a German Shepherd would be the ideal guide for the Thee Lions at this tournament!
Finally, Gordon’s long-haired pooch was depicted as perfectly coiffured – with its droopy ears atop military-looking paulettes on his shoulders.
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Overall, with such pooch-powered personality in the squad, no wonder the Three Lions are rated by many as, hound-for-hound, one of the best squads in Germany.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
