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    Mario Balotelli, 34, closes in on shock Serie A return after four months unemployed

    MARIO BALOTELLI is closing in on a major Serie A return after spending the last four months as a free agent.Balotelli, 34, has been without a club since his departure from Adana Demirspor in June, after seven goals and one assist in 16 appearances last season.Mario Balotelli is closing in on a return to Serie A with GenoaCredit: GettyBalotelli has been a free agent for four months after leaving Adana DemirsporCredit: GettyBut the striker now looks set for a return to elite football after three years out in the wilderness playing for Demirspor in Turkey and Sion in Switzerland.According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the ex-Italy international has been training in his bid to regain match fitness.And it looks like the Manchester City cult hero has impressed Genoa club chiefs, who are keeping a close eye.Read More on FootballSchira claims the former Liverpool star is now awaiting the “final green light” to put pen to paper with Alberto Gilardino’s side.And the Italian is “very excited” about a possible return to the Serie A.Balotelli has experienced tremendous success in Italy as he burst onto the scene with Inter Milan in 2007 at the age of 17.The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 28 goals and 15 assists during his three-year stint at Inter.Most read in FootballThat led to a lucrative move to City where he spent three turbulent years that saw him racking up 30 goals in 80 appearances as well as numerous on and off-field run-ins.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat included setting his own house on fire by letting off fireworks in his bathroom and the infamous ‘Why always me’ shirt celebration against Manchester United.But will remain in City folklore for setting up Sergio Aguero for his famous league-winning strike against QPR in 2012.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli moved to his beloved AC Milan in 2013 where he spent one year and registered 18 goals as well as eight assists in 41 appearances.A Premier League return soon followed to Liverpool but he couldn’t meet expectations and was loaned back to Milan in 2015 after only four goals in 28 games at Anfield.Stints at Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza soon followed as his star status started to dwindle.Balotelli also amassed 14 goals in 36 caps with Italy and shone bright during Euro 2012 as he helped his national team reach the final. More

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    England Womens’ team backroom staff: Lionesses’ goalkeeping coach, head of medical & sports psychologist revealed

    England Women’s national football team has a dedicated backroom staff that plays a crucial role in supporting the team’s success.Here’s everything you need to know about the team behind the team — the Lionesses go head-to-head with their vanquished foes Germany in a friendly on October 25, 2024.England are hoping to register a third match win against Germany under head coach Sarina WiegmanCredit: GettyThe backroom team represents a blend of experience and expertise across various aspects of football.They all work in collaboration to support the Lionesses’ success on the international stage.Arjan Veurink — Assistant CoachLionesses manager Sarina Wiegman with Arjan VeurinkCredit: GettyArjan Veurink serves as Serena Wiegman’s right-hand man.He joined the England setup alongside Wiegman, having previously worked with her at the Netherlands national team.More on the LionessesVeurink’s experience and tactical knowledge complement Wiegman’s leadership, forming a strong coaching partnership.He plays a key role in deciding tactics and was responsible for the Lionesses switching to a 3-4-1-2 formation during the Euro 2022 group stage.Geraint Twose — Assistant CoachEngland coach Geraint Twose pictured during a training session at The Lensbury Resort, Teddington on July 19, 2022Credit: PAGeraint Twose works alongside Weigman and Veurink as an assistant coach.His role involves working on specific aspects of players’ technical skills and contributing to overall tactical strategies.Most read in FootballHe worked with the England Men’s U15 side before taking the position with the Lionesses, having previously worked with the Cardiff City academy for 17 years.Darren Ward — Goalkeeping CoachDarren Ward with England’s Demi StokesCredit: GettyDarren Ward is the goalkeeping coach for the Lionesses.A former professional goalkeeper himself, Ward has an extensive background in developing goalkeeping talent.He was appointed when Wiegman took over as head coach in 2021. His experience includes working with elite players like Dean Henderson during his time at Sheffield United.Ward’s role focuses on enhancing the skills of goalkeepers including Mary Earps and Ellie Roebuck.He ensures they are match-ready and capable of performing under pressure.Ritan Mehta — Lead Team DoctorEngland Doctor Ritan Mehta looks on during a training session on October 8, 2022Credit: GettyDr Ritan Mehta serves as the lead team doctor for the Lionesses.He joined the FA in 2014 and has focused worked in football for the past 15 years altogether.His responsibilities include overseeing player health and managing injuries.Dr Metha ensures the overall medical well-being of the squad.Kate Hays — Lead PsychologistKate Hays helps the team with their stress, focus and mental resilienceCredit: X/DrKateHaysKate Hays is the lead psychologist for the England women’s team.Her role focuses on enhancing players’ mental resilience and performance under pressure.Hays employs various psychological techniques to help the team manage stress, build confidence and improve focus during matches.Anja van Ginhoven — General ManagerPrince William speaking with Sarina Wiegman and Anja Van Ginhoven (right) on June 15, 2022Credit: AFPWiegman regarded Anja Van Ginhoven as an essential addition to her staff when she moved from the Netherlands to England.Van Ginhoven previously served as a media officer for the Dutch Football Association.She played a significant role in selecting England’s base camp in Terrigal for the 2023 World Cup, ensuring that the team had access to top-notch facilities and an optimal location to compete effectively at the World Cup.Kay Cossington — Head of Women’s FootballLucy Bronze celebrating her 100th England appearance alongside Kay Cossington (left) and Sarina Wiegman on February 16, 2023Credit: GettyKay Cossington is the Head of Women’s Football at The FA and has been pivotal in shaping women’s football in England.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe joined The FA in 2005 and has been instrumental in implementing initiatives to revamp the girls’ talent pathway, making football more accessible while increasing participation rates among young female players.Cossington’s contributions have been recognised with an MBE for her services to association football in 2024, highlighting her significant impact on women’s football development in England. More

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    Serie A clash CALLED OFF at last-minute due to floods as club now face losing two key players for crunch clash

    AC MILAN’S Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditions.The two teams were expected to face off on Saturday at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.AC Milan Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditionsCredit: RexExtreme rain and flooding have hit Bologna in recent daysCredit: GettyHeavy rain has caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outagesCredit: GettySchools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the cityCredit: GettyHowever, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore announced that the game would not be played due to extreme rain and flooding that hit the region in recent days.Lepore added that heavy rains, which started on October 19, caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outages in several areas.The game between Milan and Bologna will be rescheduled, but no details are known at this point.However, it will be hard finding another time to host the Serie A clash due to the league and the Coppa Italia schedule as well as the fact both teams play in the Champions League this season.Read More on FootballThat unfortunate event will have especially serious ramifications for Milan, who will be without two key players in their upcoming crunch clash with Napoli.Those are Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, who were due to serve a suspension at Bologna.Instead, the Rossoneri duo will now serve it on Tuesday’s crunch clash with Napoli at the San Siro.Paulo Fonseca’s side will be hosting the Serie A leaders, who are five points ahead of the fourth-placed Milan giants.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe municipality of Bologna said in a statement that the match would bring about 35,000 people near the most critical area of the city.Schools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the city as a precaution.Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’_1But Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “The match is postponed because with a decision that in my opinion is incomprehensible, the mayor has prohibited the match from being played even behind closed doors.”Bologna vs AC Milan will be rescheduled at a later dateCredit: APTijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez were suspended against Bologna and will now serve the ban against NapoliCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Barcelona’s beautiful Wags ahead of El Clasico, from a Ukrainian pop star to a German social media influencer

    BARCELONA travel to the Bernabeu on Saturday for El Clasico top of LaLiga.The Catalans have been in blistering form in the league, and are three points clear of their rivals.Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez’s girlfriend, Berta GallardoMarina Luczenko is the wife of Barcelona shotstopper Wojciech SzczesnyAna Pelayo is another Barcelona Wag who will be watching El Clasico closelySuperstar striker Robert Lewandowski has spearheaded their title challenge – scoring 12 times in the opening 10 games.Hansi Flick’s side boast an array of talented stars who will want to impress after a disappointing Champions League result against Bayern Munich.And cheering them on will be their beautiful wives and girlfriends.From a Ukrainian singer to a German social media influencer, meet the players’ amazing Wags.Read more football newsAnna LewandowskaPolish stunner Anna, 36, is a former karate champion – who repped her country in competitions around the world.In recent years, the brunette – married to goal ace Robert Lewandowski – has moved into the world of health and fitness and has her own nutritional brand, Foods by Ann.She introduced the hot-shot striker to a different diet – and has been credited with improving his fitness in recent years.Anna is believed to be one of the world’s richest Wags.Most read in FootballAnna Lewandowska is one of the most famous Wags in European footballRobert Lewandowski poses for a New Year’s snap with the health and fitness expertNatalia BelloliNatalia, 25, is one of the most popular Wags from Brazil, with over 450,000 followers.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsShe uses her Instagram as a personal blog to show off her life with Barcelona’s Raphinha.And a lot of snaps feature their adorable son, Gael.Natalia is also a total fashionista, and dresses in designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton.Natalia Belloli has over 450k followers on InstagramGorgeous Natalia often shows off her amazing bikini body to her followersNatalia poses for a snap with husband RaphinhaBerta GallardoSpanish model and influencer Berta, 22, and Barça midfielder Fermin Lopez went public with their romance this summer.However, rumours of their relationship began a year earlier before they confirmed they were a couple.Berta was spotted on the pitch planting a kiss on Lopez after Spain won Euro 2024.The fashion queen is a slow burner on Insta, with just 74,000 followers. Expect that to grow when her beau fulfils his potential and becomes a superstar footballer.Berta Gallardo is a fashion model who went public with her romance with Fermin Lopez in the summerBerta Gallardo has over 74,000 followers on Instagramread more sport featuresLaura Abla SchmittTikToker Laura is a favourite with her 260,000 followers, while her content has generated over 24million views.The Berlin-born beauty, 26, will have to put her own allegiances aside in support of Dani Olmo, who plies his trade at RB Leipzig.She went public with their romance on New Year’s Day, with an Instagram snap of them walking side-by-side.Although, German newspaper Bild reported the pair got together some six months before that.Laura Abla Schmitt has a huge TikTok following of over 260,000The German social media influencer is in a romance with Dani OlmoMikky Kiemeney De JongDutch fashion designer Mikky, 26, is the longtime partner of Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong.She was a hockey player of some repute when she met the former Ajax star.Today, she’s a social media influencer with over 1.5million followers on Instagram.And Mikky also has her own self-named fashion brand that sells leisure wear.Back in May, the pair secretly got married in front of close friends and family.Frenkie De Jong’s Wag Mikky Kiemeney is a fashion designerMikky and Frenkie de Jong got secretly married in the summerMarina Luczenko-SzczesnaMarina, 35, is the wife of new Barcelona goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny.The celebrity couple married in 2016, after the former Arsenal star proposed at her birthday party.The brunette was born in the Ukraine, but moved to Poland at the age of two where she became a pop star.Marina has worked with British singer and X Factor winner James Arthur in the past.Marina Luczenko is a pop star who worked with X Factor winner James ArthurMarina Luczenko and Wojciech Szczesny got married in 2016Ana PelayoSpain midfielder Gavi has made news on and off the pitch.He returned after a long injury lay off to first team action, with much fanfare.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen after coming on as sub in the 5-1 win over Sevilla, he was spotted getting a kiss from gorgeous Ana.The 21-year-old student is a pal of his sister, Aurora. She is also close to Luis Enrique’s daughter, Sira.Brunette beauty is the private Wag of the returning youngster GaviGavi met Ana through his sister Aurora who is a close friend More

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    Meet Real Madrid’s amazing Wags from a glam Dutch model to a TV presenter with one million followers on Instagram

    REAL Madrid are the world’s most famous club, so it is fitting they have the world’s best players.The likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, teenage wonderkid Endrick and more star for Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernaebeu.Real Madrid’s Wags will be tuning into El Clasico this weekendBrazil beauty Gabriely Miranda will be fully supporting her footballer on SaturdayAnd this weekend they welcome their LaLiga rivals Barcelona to the Spanish capital.It promises to be a mouth-watering clash – with both teams vying for top spot in the league.Just three points separate them as they head into El Clasico with everything to gain.Cheering on the Champions League winners will be their wives and girlfriends, which include a Dutch model and Argentine TV host.Read more football news Maria MazalliWith over one million followers on Instagram, Maria is one of the most popular Wags on social media.The influencer, 24, is reportedly dating Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr, who could be Real Madrid’s game-changer this weekend.A fashion queen, she is regularly sharing paid partnerships with brands to model their latest wear.She appeared on Brazilian TV show De Férias com o Ex, where contestants are chosen to go on vacation in a tropical paradise, however, it soon turns into hell as their ex-lovers start showing up.Maria Mazalli is reportedly dating Brazil superstar Vinicius JrMazalli is a reality TV star and influencerLaura Celia ValkGorgeous Laura is a Dutch super model with over 500,000 followers on Instagram.The secret signs Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Laura Valk shows in her sexy snapsShe regularly shows off her amazing figure in revealing lingerie and bikini shoots.Laura, 25, is believed to be dating England star Jude Bellingham since last year.She is not only a model for the likes of PrettyLittleThing but she is the owner of her own social media consultancy agency.Stunning Laura Celia Valk is a model from the NetherlandsLaura Celia Valk dates England star Jude BellinghamGabriely MirandaStunning Gabriely, 23, is also a model and influencer.Hailing from Brazil, she married wonderkid Endrick last month after less than a year together.It was previously reported that the pair had a relationship contract.These included Endrick being banned from having a virtual girlfriend on Grand Theft Auto and also being forbidden from commenting on other girls’ Instagram accounts.It is also claimed that Endrick and Miranda must say ‘I love you’ to each other in all situations.Gabriely Miranda married Brazil wonderkid Endrick last monthGabriely reportedly has a relationship contract with EndrickOne of the clauses is the couple must say ‘I love you’ to each other regularlyMina BoninoArgie stunner, 30, met partner Federico Valverde in 2019 on Instagram.The pair struck a romance soon after they agreed to meet up – and just two months later they were living together in Spain.In 2020, Mina welcomed their first son Benicio into the world, while this year they added to their brood with another boy called Bautista.The Brunette beauty is a journalist who worked for Argentine TV and has over one million followers on Instagram.Anastasiia TomazovaReal Madrid will have to turn to No2 keeper Andriy Lunin for El Clasico.Regular shotstopper Thiabaut Courtois will be missing in action because of an injury.Lunin will have the backing of 23-year-old influencer, Anastasiia.She’s often supportive of her man, insisting he should be their No1 on social media and threatening he may leave if he doesn’t get more game time.Anastasiia Tomazova is a stunning Ukrainian Wag who loves to voice her opinionAnastasiia has said beau Andriy Lunin could leave the club if he doesn’t play moreTaina CastroBack in May, Eder Militao and fellow Brazilian footballer Leonardo Pereira did a wife swap.Pereira shacked up with Militao’s old flame, Karoline Lima. While, Militao began romancing Pereira’s ex Taina Castro, 23.The Real Madrid man was more discreet with his relationship, despite rumours of them getting together last year.Since Pereira went public, Militao did the same – and everybody is reportedly happy with the arrangement.Taina Castro has dated a few footballers in her lifetimeGlam Taina is in a romance with defender Eder MiliatoMaria Sanchez Del MoralGorgeous Maria, 29, studied to be a primary teacher at a university in Seville, which is where she comes from.She was inspired to follow in her mother’s footsteps, who is also a teacher.To supplement her income, the Andalusian bombshell took advantage of her sultry looks by doing a bit of modelling.They are yet to marry or have children.Maria Sanchez Del Moral is a teacher from SevilleMaria Sanchez Del Moral is also in a romance with Dani Ceballos More

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    Jude Bellingham is Britain’s most eligible bachelor with England hunk more desirable than a Princess and Lord

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is amongst the frontrunners to win the Ballon d’Or next week but he is impressing just as much off the pitch.The Real Madrid star won the Champions League and LaLiga in his debut season with the club, before reaching the Euro 2024 final with England.Jude Bellingham has been ranked the most eligible British bachelorCredit: GettyHe caught the eye before the tournament event started however by appearing in an advert for Adidas.Bellingham, 21, also became the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS as he modelled boxers while showing off his football skills.They have helped make Bellingham an international star and he has now been ranked as one of the most desirable singletons in Britain.A top ten list of British bachelors and bachelorettes has been compiled by Tatler, with multiple sports people included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL10. Lord Albert Caspian DalmenyCaspian, 19, is the son of Earl Harry Primrose, a British aristocrat and the Chairman of Sotheby’s.The heir apparent is set to jet off to South Africa soon to work in animal conservation.9. Rosie WrightingAt just 27-years-old Rosie is the youngest female MP in Parliament.She studied fashion at the University of Westminster and became the chair of the Westminster North constituency before gaining her seat in Kettering for Labour in July.Most read in FootballRosie Wrighting is the youngest female MP in ParliamentCredit: X/ rosie_wrightingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS8. Olivia DeanOlivia may not actually be single as rumours have linked her to pop star Harry Styles.The 25-year-old is an award-winning singer with appearances at Glastonbury and hits including ‘Dive’ and ‘The Hardest Part’.Olivia Dean is an award-winning artistCredit: GettyShe was rumoured to be dating Harry StylesCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviadeanoMoment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blue7. Tade OjoraAn Old Etonian, Ojora represented Team GB at the Olympics this year, competing in the 110-metre hurdles.When he is not on track the 25-year-old can be seen at Givenchy events and travelling around the Mediterranean.Tade Ojara competed in the Olympics for Team GBCredit: Getty6. Lady Alexandra RussellAlexandra, 23, is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and works as an interior design assistant for 1990s It girl Emma Benyon.5. Orlando GettyA recent Business and Spanish graduate from Edinburgh University, oil heir Orland is a big face in the London social scene.He can often be spotted at Raffles as well as Club Malasana in Madrid.4. Frankie GoldsmithPart of the Goldsmith clan, his uncle is former Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, who once ran for Mayor of London and now sits in the House of Lords.Young Frankie, 19, plans to study engineering at university and is reportedly a ferocious fast bowler.3. Princess Theodora von LiechtensteinTheodora, 19, is an environmentalist, equestrian, and member of the Princely family of Liechtenstein.Now a student at Cambridge University, Theodora has been giving back from an early age having set up Green Teen Team Foundation, a conservationist non-profit, at the age of nine.Princess Theodora, right, set up a non-profit at the age of nineCredit: Getty2. Jude BellinghamBellingham, 21, was rumoured to be dating model Laura Celia Valk but neither party confirmed things were official.The midfielder lives with his mum in Madrid and he is yet to find time or space for a relationship as he is a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.READ MORE SUN STORIESJude Bellingham is a hit on and off the pitchCredit: Getty1. Lyla Elichaoff and Esme BertelsenTrinny and Susannah’s daughters Lyla, 21, and Esme, 23 and like ther famous mothers they also have an eye for fashion.Esme makes digital art, has an eye for vintage clothes and loves boxing, while Lyla has inherited Trinny’s entrepreneurial spirit by all accounts.Lyla and Esme are Britain’s most eligible pairCredit: Luc BraquetThey are following in the footsteps of their famous mothersCredit: Luc Braquet More

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    Heartwarming moment Premier League referee surprises kids by taking charge of U7s game and even uses official coin

    PREMIER LEAGUE referee Simon Hooper dropped down more than a few divisions to referee a KIDS game in Manchester last weekend.Hooper, 42, has been refereeing in England’s top flight since 2018.Simon Hooper dropped down to the youth leagues to surprise some kids in ManchesterCredit: AlamyHooper refereed an U7s game last weekendCredit: Richard MoriatyThe professional ref took the time out of his week to stop by the Manchester Youth Super League and officiate a clash between two U7s teams.Hooper even had time to stop and chat to the league’s usual referees and offer them some advice.While the official came decked out in his Premier League gear and even brought along an official Prem coin to decide the kick off.A post on the league’s social media gushed about Hooper’s heartwarming moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “FIRST TIME EVER!!! A Premier League ref has reffed a game in the MYSL. “A massive thanks to Simon Hooper for reffing a game last weekend.”Adding: “He even brought his Premier League coin for the toss to start the game. WHAT A GUY.”Thanks so much for this Simon Hooper, who even had the time to speak with our refs.”Most read in FootballHooper took charge of the game on the same weekend as acting as a Premier League fourth officialCredit: Richard MoriatyThe official was commended for his kindhearted actCredit: Richard MoriatyThe game came in the same weekend that Hooper had acted as fourth official for Southampton’s defeat to Leicester.It’s a big drop down for Hooper who is used to the dizzying heights of the Premier League.He’s taken charge of over 100 Prem games already in his career and is used to coming face to face with international superstars rather than school kids.Although his venture into the youth leagues won’t have left him struggling without VAR, with Hooper regularly taking charge of Championship games too.This season he has already officiated two Championship clashes, while he has been the man in the middle for four Prem games.Hooper’s last Prem clash came earlier this month when he took charge of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.And he will return to action this weekend as he heads to Stamford Bridge to referee Chelsea vs Newcastle.Hooper is used to dealing with Premier League superstarsCredit: PA More

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    Peter Crouch gets hit in the face and Joe Cole screams in terror as football legends try hand at new sport

    PETER CROUCH was left red-faced after his face was struck by a ball when the ex-Liverpool striker and Joe Cole tried their hands at rugby.The former footballers were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben Kay.Joe Cole and Peter Crouch travelled to Saracens’ StoneX ground to give rugby a goCrouch took one right to the face during the TNT specialChaos ensued when the former footballers contested a rugby line-outSince retiring from football, Crouch and Cole have come together to form a new partnership within TNT’s broadcasting team.And now, they’re turning their hands to a new sport entirely – a spot of rugby – with hilarious results.Crouch and Cole joined English rugby legend Kay, at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium as a part of their Autumn Nations Series promotion for TNT.Kay had them try everything from a penalty conversion, contesting a line-out, tackling drills and even a bit of argy-bargy with each other.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the hysterical blunder came when Crouch attempted to catch a kicked high-ball – and failed.The former Stoke striker looked like he wanted to kick the ball instead, before the ball smacked off his face after it bounced off the pitch.In another scene, Cole shrieked in terror while he was being hoisted into the air to catch a ball from a line-out.Crouch then came out second best to the Chelsea full-back while contesting a line-out.Most read in FootballThe pundits were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben KayCole came out on top in the end after winning the line-out contestFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s despite the fact that Cole, who is 5ft 9, is almost a foot smaller than Crouch, who stands at 6ft 7 inches.The action ends with former England team-mates trying to wrestle one another to ground, as if they were back on the school playground.Chelsea icon Joe Cole scores outrageous goal as ex-England star rolls back the years in a Sunday league team aged 42Cole told Crouch: “I would’ve loved to have done this at school.”All 21 matches of the Autumn Nations Series will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. The full episode of Crouch vs Cole: Rugby is available to watch on discovery+ from midday today.The episode ends in argy-bargy as the pair wrestle each other to the groundSaracen academy stars hilariously watched on as Crouch failed miserablyWho are these famous footballers? More