The lions and lionesses of Longleat have been getting into the spirit of things ahead of England's Euro 2024 final clash against Spain. 

One of the lions named after prolific England striker, Harry Kane - Harry Mane - proved to be the ultimate goal predator as keepers marked the Euros final with football enrichment at the Wiltshire Safari Park.

The lionesses won Harry’s pride as they vied to be the one to score a wonder goal like Ollie Watkins in Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands.

Malika succeeded in being the first to get a ball over the line in the natural climbing area of the reserve which featured a newly built goalmouth.

Amy Waller, safari team manager, said: “We always look for different types of stimulation as it gives the lions something different to do and they enjoy it.

“Football was an obvious one for this week given the Euros final this weekend and they had enjoyed playing with balls in the lead-up to the tournament.

“There were tussles and tackles in the penalty area, and we all cheered when Harry grabbed the ball and roared loudly; it was fabulous to hear and to have captured on video.

“All of us at Longleat are hoping England bring it home,” she added.

Simon Russell, chief executive of Wiltshire FA, said: "It's amazing to see how everyone gets behind our national teams and having the power and majesty of the Longleat lions roaring on the boys will certainly help in the final"

Longleat’s football connections go back to England’s World Cup win in July 1966, the safari park  - which was the first to open outside Africa in the same year - was visited by the World Cup referees which included Gottfried Dienst, who officiated when England beat West Germany in the final.

England have enjoyed narrow victories over The Netherlands, Switzerland and Slovakia in the round of 16 to reach the final after topping their group. 

Spain has had to get past Georgia, Germany and France on their path to the last match of the tournament.