Dave the cat in bizarre tug-of-love between England’s World Cup stars after coming home

On Dec 14, 2022

England’s World Cup stars are caught up in a bizarre tug-of-love over Dave the Cat.

Kyle Walker pledged to bring home the stray moggy after he started turning up for dinner at the team hotel in Qatar. The puss will soon be on his way to the UK but his new home is still undecided because so many players want him.

The tabby became the team’s mascot and was given his own mini England shirt. Over the past 48 hours, the two-year-old domestic short hair has been microchipped, vaccinated and had the snip.

Vets have also treated a leg wound he picked up in a catfight in the team hotel. Dave, who is sporting a bandage in England colours, has been placed in temporary foster care ahead of a planned move to the UK in April following a spell in quarantine.

Janet Berry, 58, who is caring for Dave at the Qatar Animal Welfare Society, said: “Precisely where he’ll end up is still undecided. So many of the players want him.”

Who do you think should get to keep Dave the cat? Tell us in the comments section below.

Dave the cat became England’s mascot at the World Cup
(Image: PA)

Walker, 32, appears favourite but John Stones, 28, named Dave and regularly fed him while fellow Manchester City team-mate Kalvin Phillips, 27, declared the puss the Three Lions’ mascot.

Former Tottenham ace Walker also provided some insight into Dave’s habits during the World Cup, revealing he got into a scrap with another hungry moggy over food.

The magnificent moggy is wanted by a trio of Man City stars
(Image: Instagram)

The battle is on for who will get to keep Dave the Cat
(Image: twitter/@mcfc_lads)

“He had a little scrap with another cat the other night,” the defender said. I think they are fighting over territory and the food. But he’s doing well.”

The stray puss just turned up one day during the tournament and never left, becoming the team’s unofficial mascot. “John named him Dave,” Walker later explained. “Dave is just welcomed to the table. Some people really don’t like the cat but I love him. I love him.”

City fans will be hoping Dave can give them some luck as they go for the Premier League crown
(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

However, Dave couldn’t bring the Three Lions the luck they needed to win the tournament outright, as Gareth Southgate’s side lost to France in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal fans will be hoping Dave proves to be a more of a curse for the three City players vying to claim the cat with the two sides set to resume battle at the top of the Premier League on Boxing Day.