‘Psychic’ lions predict England will defeat Croatia in World Cup

By Isobel Williams

An animal sanctuary's pride of lions has predicted World Cup group success for England — including a win against Croatia tomorrow (Wed).

The big cats, which were rescued from Ukraine last year, made their own "psychic" predictions by choosing boxes for the Three Lions' opening three Group L matches.

Amani, Lira, Rori, and Vanda, who all live at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, were captured on video picking between the boxes decorated with St. George's flags and those of their opponents.

Lioness sisters Amani and Lira were first up, confidently predicting that England will roar to victory in their opening match in Texas tomorrow.

The pride's male lion, Rori, then followed suit, strutting across the enclosure before voting for England to take all three points against Ghana next week.

However, for the final group game, lioness Vanda predicted that Panama will steal a surprise victory — but six points should still be enough to see England through to the knockouts.

A spokesperson from The Big Cat Sanctuary said:

"With Thomas Tuchel's side kicking off their World Cup campaign against Croatia tomorrow, the resident lions at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent have put their paws on the line to predict England's Group L fate.

"Amani, Lira, Rori, and Vanda, who were all safely evacuated and rehomed from Ukraine last year, took turns choosing between the match flags during an enrichment exercise.

"Six points from the first two games should be more than enough to see the Three Lions safely through to the knockout stages, despite Vanda's warning of a sting in the tail."