Yahoo News 'Mystic' Meerkats 'predict' England will beat Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final
A group of "mystic meerkats" at Drusillas Park in East Sussex have predicted that England will triumph over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final, giving the Three Lions another chance to secure the coveted football trophy.
The meerkats, who are believed to possess "psychic powers", have so far accurately predicted victories for the home team throughout the tournament. Their keepers are hopeful that their winning streak of predictions will continue.
England secured their place in the semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday after defeating Switzerland in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out on Saturday.
According to the meerkats' prediction, England should be confident of victory.
The animals make their predictions by choosing between two buckets of nuts, a favourite snack among meerkats. Each bucket is marked with a flag representing one of the competing teams.
The buckets are placed side by side and the meerkats are then released. The bucket that attracts the most meerkats is declared the winner.
So far, the bucket representing England has been the clear favourite.
Head keeper Gemma Romanis urged people not to underestimate the "you shouldn't doubt the mystic meerkats' psychic powers". She added that her fellow keepers have "everything crossed" for England.
Ms Romanis expressed surprise at Saturday's result, saying: "I think we were all quite surprised with Saturday's result, when yet again the England squad came through when we really needed them to,".
She concluded: "It just goes to show, that you shouldn't doubt the mystic meerkats psychic powers."
In the latest experiment, several of the predicting meerkats displayed interest in the Netherlands, prompting Ms Romanis to comment: "So we don't think it will be an easy match for the Lions."
"But they do seem sure England will pull it out of the bag again and make it through to the finals."
"We're all keeping everything crossed for the England team and hoping they win as the meerkats have predicted."
"The meerkats have already forecast that England have what it takes to play their way into the finals, so it's a double vote of confidence from them. Let's hope it comes true on Wednesday."
