Chris Smalling drops huge hint about the secret behind Leo the England Lion mascot

ENGLAND'S 12th man in this Euros is not the legion of Three Lions fans heading to France - but a cuddly lion.

No one has been quite sure why centre-back Chris Smalling has been carrying around the fluffy little fella, reportedly called Leo.

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But a quick look back at England's final warm-up game against Portugal coupled with the centre-back's words before the curtain-raiser with Russia gives us some clue as to why it is Smalling who has been tasked with looking after it.

Smalling was the late goalscorer in the 1-0 win over ten-man Portugal last week, heading home in the 86th minute.

And he hinted today the guard of the toy could change over the next few days - possibly after the opener in Marseilles.

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Smalling said: "There's not too much to be said [about the lion]. I think you'll see a few different players with it over the course of the tournament.

"That's all I'm going to say. Joe Hart may be able to tell you a bit more about it.

"I'm still with the lion but I think in a couple of days you could see someone new with it - that's up for the players to see."

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Bookies think Spurs striker Harry Kane will be the first England goalscorer against Russia.

Betway have him at 12-5, while Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge are placed at 31-10 with Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy 7-2.

If you think Smalling will keep hold of the lion then you will have to back at him at lengthy odds of 22-1.

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There are thought to be two more mascots with Leo: a staff mascot called Kit Kat and Lenny, who will travel with the team on match days.

That should solve the problem if the Three Lions run riot against Russia.

Meanwhile, Smalling confirmed that he is fit to start against Leonid Slutsky's men in the Group B clash.

He said: "There is no injury scare, it’s normal. I often ice different parts of my body. It’s normal recovery process.

"We’ve got a couple of other people that can play centre-back and I don’t think that position’s a worry. We’re very well covered in all positions."