A “psychic” raccoon at a British zoo has predicted that England will beat France in their opening Euro 2012 match today, his keepers said.

Rocky the raccoon is the latest in a string of animals hailed for their so-called clairvoyant powers as the first round of European Championship games get under way in Poland and Ukraine.

The animal, kept at Bristol Zoo Gardens, southwest England, follows in the footsteps of Paul the “psychic” octopus, who shot to stardom during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

France are the bookmakers’ favourites to win today’s Group D match in Donetsk, Ukraine, which is England’s first competitive game under new manager Roy Hodgson.

But, when offered two pots with equal amounts of food marked with the shirts of the opposing teams, Rocky the raccoon was quick to plump for England.

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