Three England players are currently in a tug-of-war over ownership of Dave the cat

Three members of England's World Cup squad are currently involved in a wholesome tug-of-war over ownership of mascot Dave the cat.

Dave became a viral sensation during the Three Lions' campaign after turning up at the team's Al Wakrah training base in Qatar.

England players initially claimed they would bring stray Dave back to the UK if they managed to win the World Cup.

Following quarter-final elimination at the hands of current holders France on Saturday, they changed their tune and decided to re-home Dave anyway.

The two-year-old's had to elongate his stay in Qatar to get microchipped, vaccinated and neutered. Dave was also treated for a leg wound he sustained in a catfight near England's training base.

He's currently living the good life, decked out in an England bandage, in a foster home ahead of a permanent move to the UK in April.

There's just one issue. Too many of England's players want to become Dave's new owner.

Janet Berry, who is looking after Dave at the Qatar Animal Welfare Society, told the Daily Star: "Precisely where he’ll end up is still undecided. So many of the players want him."

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The current favourite is Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker, although Dave got his name from City centre-back John Stones.

Kalvin Phillips, another member of Pep Guardiola's side, is the one who dubbed Dave the unofficial mascot of Gareth Southgate's side.

Safe to say we have a trio who would be keen to get their hands on Dave. Walker gave some insight into Dave's scrap with a fellow moggie earlier this month.

"He had a little scrap with another cat the other night," the 32-year-old said. I think they are fighting over territory and food. But he's doing well."

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Walker added: "John named him Dave. Dave is just welcomed to the table. Some people really don’t like the cat but I love him. I love him."

England were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat at the Al Bayt Stadium five nights ago.

Aurelien Tchouameni put Didier Deschamps' side ahead in the first half before Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot.

Olivier Giroud restored Les Bleus' lead in the second half against the run of play. Kane had a glorious chance to equalise with another penalty, but skied it over the bar.