Watson the sea-lion makes first Euro 2016 prediction

Following the example set by Paul the Octopus, Watson the sea-lion hopes his nose for winners will bring him international stardom - and a few extra fish - as he predicts the outcome of France's games in Euro 2016.

Weighing in at a sprightly 350kg, the middle-aged mammal, residing in a zoo in the eastern French town of Amneville, accurately forecast France's passage to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, calling each game right up until the French team was knocked out by Germany.

He signals his choice by picking up one of three ice-boxes bearing the flags of the rival teams and a “draw” sign.

Paul the Octopus

Zookeeper Pablo Joury hopes Watson will be a worthy successor to the German octopus, who accurately predicted Germany’s 2010 World Cup run and became a celebrity before dying a few months later.

For Friday evening's opening match between France and Romania, Watson picked his home country to win.

The tournament runs from June 10th to July 10th.

Reuters