England-mad football fan Lee Kidson outdid his heroes when he struck seven times in 45 minutes.

But it wasn't goals schoolboy Lee was celebrating - it was the seven English Bull Terrier puppies that he delivered all alone.

Lee had been looking forward to the crucial second round clash against Denmark, but just minutes before the kick-off pregnant bull terrier mum Angel went into labour.

With no one to help, he was forced to act as midwife for the four-year-old animal.

It meant he missed all of the three first-half goals which sent England into the quarter-finals against Brazil in Shizuoka today.

But patriotic Lee, who lives in Hartlepool, still named the new arrivals Beckham, Owen, Heskey, Rio, Sol, Teddy and Mills after the English stars.

He said: "I'm still a bit shocked by it all but I'm glad all the pups are fit and well - just like the England team.

"I was walking Angel for my sister Sasha when she went into labour.

"All I could do was take Angel back into the garden and hold her while they were being born.

"I was disappointed that I missed the match because England won, but it was worth it in the end.

"The pups are gorgeous and four more would have given us our own World Cup squad."

Lee's sister, mum of two Sasha, 22, a bakery worker, said: "Lee did really well. I'd love to keep the pups but that's not possible."