Football might not be coming home, but Dave the cat is.

After losing 2-1 to France in the World Cup quarter-final, the England squad began their journey back to the UK, with their furry mascot in tow.

Dave the cat spent time around the players and was adopted by the team, with Manchester City duo John Stones and Kyle Walker pictured with him on most evenings.

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Speaking in the build up to Saturday’s game, Walker said: “Dave is fine.

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

“Hopefully I can stick to my promise that he will come home with us if we were to win the World Cup. Dave’s fine, thank you for asking.”

Now, despite not gaining World Cup glory, the players have decided they will still rehome Dave in the UK.

He left Al Wakrah just two hours after the squad had departed and will first head to a local veterinary clinic.

There he will have a blood test and receive vaccinations, spending four months in quarantine before heading to his new home.