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England’s Euro 2024 stars have been given a (p)awesome welcome to their accommodation after receiving portraits of their dogs dressed up as royalty to go in their bedrooms for the tournament.
Gareth Southgate‘s men touched down in Germany on Monday and have been readying themselves for their opening match against Serbia on Sunday night.
But there has also been time for some more light-hearted moments, and the players have been made to feel right at home thanks to being provided with portraits of their dogs.
England’s official Instagram account posted nine adorable photos of the portraits on Thursday night as they asked fans to pick their ‘favourite’.
Supporters were spoilt for choice, with Conor Gallagher’s Chow Chow first up and wearing a sparkling gold crown.
Gallagher took his beloved dog out for a walk with his dancer and model girlfriend Aine May Kennedy during his weekend off after last week’s final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland, prior to joining back up with rest of the England squad.
Next up was Jordan Pickford’s Cavapoo, which he got in 2016, with a pink gown and golden crown.
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Eberechi Eze’s Shar Pei looked like they fancied a sleep, but captain Harry Kane’s Chocolate Labrador wide awake while dressed in royal attire.
Dunk’s Cockapoos were similarly well-dressed, and the Brighton defender has spoken in the past about how he came up with the names for his pets.
‘My family dog’s named after Drogba,’ he explained. ‘That was down to the whole family, probably my brother more than me. But of course I’m a big Drogba fan.
‘He’s cocker-spaniel cross poodle though, so it doesn’t really suit Drogba!’
Aaron Ramsdale’s Chow Chow – the same as team-mate Gallagher’s – looked just as cute.
Ramsdale has previously spoken openly about how his Chow Chow has helped him get through some difficult moments in his career.
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 final three stars to get portraits of their dogs were goalkeepers Dean Henderson and Heaton and winger Anthony Gordon.
The outside of the box idea highlights the relaxed atmosphere in the England camp right now, despite the Three Lions entering Euro 2024 with the favourites’ tag on their back.
Southgate’s side are now putting the finishing touches to their preparations for Sunday’s game, with all 26 players currently in training, including John Stones after a sickness bug and Luke Shaw following a four-month layoff.