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.
Instagram @englandThe Crystal Palace midfielder’s Shar Pei is depicted with a curious look[/caption]
Instagram @englandThe Rottweiler of the back-up keeper is delighted to have a crown[/caption]
Instagram @englandThe Brighton centre-back has a pair of Cockapoos[/caption]
Instagram @englandThe Chelsea midfielder has a charming Chow Chow[/caption]
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.
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.
The dog’s 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.
GettyDeclan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher had led their dogs through Crufts=type agility tests as part of Channel 4’s Euros coverage[/caption]
ENGLAND’S BONE FIDE XI OF BULLDOG SPIRIT
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
Instagram @englandThe Cavapoo of England No Jordan Pickford appears a bit nervous[/caption]
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And skipper Harry Kane‘s chocolate Labrador appeared to be the happiest – with tongue hanging out for walkies, despite royal headwear perched precariously on his head.
By the middle of next month it could be his owner’s turn to appear as if he’s on cloud Kane-ine…
Instagram @englandEngland’s training keeper has a serious-looking German Shepherd[/caption]
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 a 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.
Puzzling, perhaps, 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 has previously revealed what a pressure release his dog is.
He has 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.
Instagram @englandThis dog appears as unsettled as the keeper might be at Arsenal[/caption]
“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.’
Even the dog of England’s training stopper Tom Heaton sprung a surprise.
The Alsatian wore an ultra serious glare – just when you’d think that a German Shepherd would be the ideal guide for the Thee Lions!
Finally, Gordon’s long-haired pooch was depicted as perfectly coiffured – with its droopy ears atop military-looking paulettes on his shoulders.
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 at the Euros.
Instagram @englandThe England skipper’s Labrador is arguably drawn as the most energetic[/caption]
Instagram @englandThe Newcastle winger’s dog has bene pictured lovingly dressed[/caption]
