ENGLAND fans hope rubbing the paws of Phil Foden’s lucky lookalike cat will spell success for the Three Lions in the Euros final.
The moody moggy went viral after fans noticed its face looked like Foden after Gareth Southgate benched him at the start of England’s 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign.
After Glenn Kitson – a film director who regularly posts funny celebrity lookalikes on social media – pointed out the resemblance, the midfielder earned his way into the first team.
Foden, 24, was vital to helping England reach the quarterfinals and is expected to start against Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
Fans will be hoping Phil’s lookalike cat could be the lucky omen the squad needs.
One supporter said: “We know black cats are supposed to be lucky but there is something very special about this one moggy.
“If we use the collective positive thoughts of fans everywhere maybe we can bring about a change of luck for Phil and England.
“Rub the paws! Rub the paws!”
Glenn’s Instagram page has more than 180,000 followers with the pic moody moggy being one of his most successful posts with over 28K likes.
The film director revealed the cat lookalike during the last major tournament with the joke caption: ” Phil Foden is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national team.
“He is considered one of the best young players in the world.”
Hundreds of his followers loved the gag and left comments sharing their disbelief at the uncanny resemblance.
Actor Jonny Lee Miller commented: “Are you f****** kidding me.”
“Your greatest ever,” added comedian Josh Widdicombe.
Alex Brooker, a comedy star, wrote: “Hahahahaha this is brilliant.”
“Felines on the shirt,” joked one user.
Another said: “Plays lefty wing for Manchester Kitty.”
The England star looked gutted after he hit the post and had a shot cleared off the line before getting subbed off against Holland in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The game looked as if it was heading towards extra-time until Ollie Watkins came off the bench to bag a 90th minute winner booking them a spot in Sunday’s final.
Fans hope petting the puss will improve Foden’s fortune in front of goal as England chase down their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
