Euro 2016: The mystery of England's Leo the Lion revealed

Members of the squad have been spotted carrying the cuddly toy around the England camp

Leo the Lion looks on as England train

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The truth is out. Leo the Lion is more than just a lucky mascot.

After players had remained relatively tight-lipped about the cuddly toy’s purpose at the Euro 2016, it’s been revealed that Leo has become a form of light-hearted punishment within the England camp.

As revealed by The Sun, Leo changes hands to shame whichever player has made a fool of themselves in that day’s training session.

Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere have both been spotted with Leo.

A number of attempts have also been made by players to kidnap the cuddly toy. It seems Leo had a few close shaves when under the protection of Chris Smalling after certain members of the squad plotted to get the Manchester United defender in trouble.

Daniel Sturridge, England’s game-winner against Wales, had kept reporters guessing when initially questioned about Leo.

“I can’t speak about it,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away…”

Kyle Walker, however, was willing to give a bit more away. “It’s a mascot that we decided as players we want to bring to France,” the full-back said.

Jack Wilshere sports Leo the Lion

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“The players nominate who will carry it. It’s up to the senior members of the squad,” he added.

Russian centre-back and captain Vasili Berezutski, who scored the late equaliser against England in the Group B opener, ridiculed the lucky charm.

But it seems England will have the last laugh as they stand posed to qualify for the last 16 while Russia are in serious danger of an early exit from the tournament.

Nonetheless, it seems the cat (or lion) is well and truly out of the bag now.