An archaeologist has discovered what she hopes will be a lucky omen for England's World Cup campaign - a mediaeval badge emblazoned with three lions.

The copper item, found lodged in a stone wall in Parkside, Coventry, is thought to date back to the 13th century but clearly shows the Coat of Arms of England.

Caroline Rann, a member of Warwickshire County Council's archaeology projects group, found the emblem - believed to be part of a horse harness - ahead of a building project.

"The badge was lodged between the sandstone blocks and may have fallen in (to the wall) while it was being built," the archaeologist said.

"This has been hidden for hundreds of years and for it to appear now has to be a sign that England will go all the way in the World Cup!"

Nicholas Palmer, the principal field archaeologist at the Warwickshire Museum, said the inch-high badge is still being assessed and catalogued.

The partially corroded artefact, which is not said to be intrinsically valuable, was found during excavation work on a site once occupied by mediaeval housing, ahead of work to construct a church.

Mr Palmer said the three lions symbol was a popular motif with patriotic connotations at the time the badge was made.