It's Harry Mane - Lion backs England for Euros glory

Keepers say Keshari has successfully predicted the outcome of England's knockout matches

The fortunes of the Three Lions have been predicted by one of their own number at a zoo in the West Midlands.

Keshari, an Asiatic lion who lives with his girlfriend Asha at Dudley Zoo, has been correctly calling England's Euro 2024 knockout wins - just like that clever Octopus, but with more teeth.

Roaring the names of his favourite players before making his choice - Harry Mane, Kobbie Mane-noo and Luke Paw - the confident carnivore backed Southgate's cubs for the semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday.

And here's a hot tip... Using his secret, fool-proof, highly scientific method, Keshari - who is only four - now fancies England to take a bite out of Spain in Sunday's final.

“He’s been doing a really good job,” said senior carnivore keeper Louisa Dorrington.

Other animals at the zoo have been trying to match him, including otters, tapirs, meerkats and anteaters.

But after mixed results, they have been selected at left back - left back in the dressing room.

Keshari, meanwhile, remains the pride of the tourist attraction thanks to his unique selection system.

Papier mâché

It all began when a team of five keepers who look after him on a rota basis decided they wanted to do something fun to mark the Euros, Ms Dorrington said.

They made papier mâché footballs using flour and water, which is safe for the animals, and painted the flags of England and the opposition on their handiwork.

Then, in a move that knocked Gary Lineker into a cocked England cap, the jungle king picked the outcomes, biting on the ball of his choice - with England now being his fancied side four times in a row.

“I don’t think it’s going to be [easy against Spain], but according to Keshari, we are going to get there in the end,” said Ms Dorrington.

She urged fans therefore to “stay faithful", adding: "We can do this - stay confident and trust; trust in Southgate.”