To celebrate the World Cup, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has announced its own squad of 11 kittens, all named after England’s top players.

The furry team are just some of the 52 kittens at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home looking for new homes this June. Could you adopt a Rooney, Lampard, Crouch or Cole?

All of the kittens will be ready to move into their new homes this month and will have been microchipped and had their first vaccination.

Most of the kittens were born here after their mothers came into the Home and are being cared for in foster homes until they find new owners. However Gerrard, Lennon and Johnson were found in a box left next to a skip in London, and brought into Battersea.

Rehomer Ros Davies says: “All of the kittens are great fun to be around and will make brilliant companions. We don’t want any to be left sitting on the bench this summer.”

She adds: “With the World Cup coming up, more people are likely to be spending their summer at home rather than abroad. For some this is the ideal time to rehome a kitten, as they can dedicate more time getting to know their new pet.”

The Battersea World Cup kitten team includes: James: Named after England’s keeper, James can be a bit more reserved than his teammates, but is a very intelligent fellow.

Johnson: Daring Johnson isn’t afraid to investigate his surroundings and be part of the action.

Terry: The most vocal of the team, Terry makes it obvious when she’s not happy, but loves making friends. King: The latest addition to the team is out to impress and is sure to win a few hearts with his cheeky antics.

Cole: Little Cole is full of beans and happiest when he’s centre of attention.

Lennon: Tiny Lennon is just as quick as the England winger and loves playing with everyone.

Barry: Like her namesake, Barry can be a bit cautious, but is very friendly. Lampard: Lampard likes to pounce and race around and has plenty of energy.

Gerrard: Gerrard is brave and enjoys playing with toys when he gets his paws on them.

Crouch: With long legs and an inquisitive face Crouch can be apprehensive at first but everyone loves having him around.

Rooney: Adventurous Rooney impresses with her fancy footwork and isn't afraid to get stuck in, having already tackled a wasp and a fly.

All of the kittens are happy around children, and will need homes with gardens. They need plenty of attention and stimulation, which means they can’t be left alone all day.

The summer is traditionally a busy time for the Battersea cattery and this year is no exception as even more kittens are due to be born in July and August. We currently have over 100 cats at our London site. Even more cats are available at our country centres, in Windsor and Brands Hatch. “This is a great time to come and visit us, and we have more cats to choose from than any other time of the year,” says Ros. “Whether you want a long-hair or short-hair, a small cat or a large cat, black, white or ginger, the chances are you’ll find a match in our cattery.”

Later this year Battersea will open a brand new cattery at London site. Arranged across three floors and faced in glass, it will be a haven of air and light and offer a calm and peaceful environment for our cats as they await their new permanent home.

If you can offer one of the World Cup kittens or an adult cat a home please contact Battersea on 0207 627 9234 or email rehoming@battersea.org.uk