Chris Smalling refuses to divulge information on England's new mascot

08 June 2016 19:23

Having cleared up any concerns over his fitness, England defender Chris Smalling faced a series of light-hearted questions about England's new mascot on Wednesday.

A stuffed lion who reportedly goes by the name of Leo, has become a firm fixture in the England squad over recent days and has made the journey to France.

The toy first appeared at Smalling's side before last week's Wembley friendly against Portugal.

Smalling scored the late winner in that match and has since been seen with his feline friend when the squad departed Luton Airport, in team photos and on arrival at their £500-a-night Chantilly hotel.

He suggested he may pass on custody soon but, like Daniel Sturridge and Kyle Walker before him, steadfastly refused to divulge any details about its significance.

''You'll see a few different players with it over the course of the tournament. That's all I'm going to say,'' he offered.

''I'm still with it but possibly in a couple of days you'll see someone new with it.

''That's up to the players to see over the next couple of days. Joe Hart is up here (talking to the press) tomorrow, so you can get a bit more out of him.''

Eventually, Smalling was moved to suggest there had been ''enough questions about the lion'' a sign, perhaps, of the lack of drama surrounding Hodgson's squad at this stage.

Source: PA