Football fever has reached the police kennels, with West Midlands Police naming eight future police dogs after England’s Three Lions stars.
The litter was born last month and includes pups named Jude, Nico, Declan, Saka, Ezri and Jordan.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been doubly honoured, with West Midlands Police using his first and last name for the remaining two puppies.
Police said they wanted to join in the feel-good atmosphere surrounding the tournament, adding the puppies were chasing the “ulti-mutt dream of becoming champions”.
The Belgian malinois are part of a police puppy development scheme based in Balsall Common.
West Midlands Police hopes the dogs will one day emulate England’s players by becoming stars in their own right, with tackling suspects among their duties.
It is hoped the dogs will become “fully operational” within the next 18 months.
“We want our police dogs to be committed, courageous and to show off their abilities, which is something we all hope the England players will be able to do this summer,” said Insp Rachel Crump, head of the police dog unit.
“Our new pups have big reputations to live up to, but we’re confident they will progress to become stars themselves in fighting crime and keeping the public safe.”
Read more from BBC News.
