Eight police pups named after Three Lions stars

A litter of future police dogs has been named in honour of England's Three Lions World Cup stars.

The eight-strong squad were born last month and include Jude, Nico, Declan, Saka, Ezri and Jordan. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has been doubly honoured by West Midlands Police, with his first and last name being used for the remaining two puppies.

The force hopes the pups will one day emulate England's players by becoming stars in their own right, with tackling - of suspects, that is - listed among their duties.

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.

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."