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      Millie Bright WITHDRAWS from Euro 2025 squad with emotional statement after England Lionesses rocked by two retirements

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      ENGLAND defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for Euro 2025.The 31-year-old withdrew from the squad prior to last week’s Nations League clash with Portugal due to burnout.Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad prior to Euro 2025Credit: PAThe defender captained England at the 2023 World CupCredit: GettyShe recently opened up about being physically and mentally fatigued after leading Chelsea to a domestic treble.And the defender feels that she will not be ready for the European Championship next month.In an emotional statement published on her social media, Bright wrote: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025.”Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.”As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.”It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.”I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Thank you to my team-mates, coaches, and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”Bright’s withdrawal comes just one day after England icon Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowFran Kirby announced her retirement on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe midfielder published a statement on social media just hours after being left out of the England squad for Tuesday’s Nations League match against Spain.She wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”Kirby also revealed that she had initially planned to retire after Euro 2025 but instead called it quits this week after being told by Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the 23-player squad.The Lionesses will also be without Mary Earps for the upcoming international tournament.The goalkeeper announced her international retirement last week.Earps, who was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after winning the World Cup Golden Glove, was expected to battle Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Switzerland.Read More on The SunBut her decision to retire just weeks before Euro 2025 left Wiegman “disappointed” after what is said to have been an awkward meeting.The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 campaign on July 5 against France.Mary Earps retired from international football last weekCredit: AFP More

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      Fulham release THIRTEEN players including former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian and Carlos Vinicius

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      FULHAM have released THIRTEEN stars after missing out on European football this season.The list includes former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian and 30-year-old striker Carlos Vinicius.Ex-Chelsea winger Willian has been released by FulhamCarlos Vinícius has not been offered fresh terms eitherBoth Willian and Vinicuis will leave Fulham after the expiry of their respective contracts at the end of this month.Willian, 36, scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 79 appearances across three years at Craven Cottage.But the two-time Premier League winner with London rivals Chelsea saw his playing time significantly reduced this season.The Brazilian joined Olympiacos as a free agent last September, but rejoined Fulham in January after having his Greek contract terminated by mutual consent.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSince then Willian has featured just 10 times in the Prem, starting just two games with zero goal contributions.Meanwhile, Vinicius has scored eight goals since arriving on deadline day at the beginning of Fulham’s first season back in the top-flight in 2022.On Wednesday, Fulham confirmed second-string players Terry Ablade, Luca Ashby-Hammond, Chris Donnell, Connor McAvoy, Delano McCoy-Splatt and Imani Lanquedoc will all leave this month.And academy lads Callum McFarlane, Damon Park, Stefan Parkes, Luca Picotto and Oscar Varney must find new clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA club statement read: “We would like to thank all the players leaving us this summer for their efforts during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best of luck in their next chapters.”Meanwhile, captain Tom Cairney and defender Kenny Tete have been offered new contracts.Ex-Fulham and Portsmouth goalkeeper reveals gruesome finger injuries after years of playing without goalie glovesAs have academy players Luc De Fougerolles, Callum Osmand and Lemar Gordon.Cairney, who joined Fulham in 2015, started just three Prem games last season.The 34-year-old has been linked with newly promoted Championship side Wrexham.Fulham are now primed to move for a 23-goal striker who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.Marco Silva’s side are eyeing Hamburg striker Davie Selke, with West Ham also interested.The West London team finished mid-table again last season in 11th -and will push for European football next season.Tom Cairney has been offered a new deal to stay at Craven Cottage More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Paul Canoville rushed to hospital after ‘serious decline in physical health’

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      FORMER Chelsea star Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital after a “serious decline in physical health.”The 63-year-old was the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.Chelsea icon Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyCanoville was the first black footballer to play for the BluesCredit: Sporting PicturesThe former winger led Chelsea to the Second Division title in 1984Credit: Getty – ContributorAnd after winning over the boo boys, Canoville became a club icon by leading them to the Second Division title in 1984.However, the former Chelsea winger — who went on to score 15 goals in 103 games before joining Reading in 1986 — is now in hospital after a major health setback.He has been forced to cancel several charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life on Thursday.And Canoville, who battled crack cocaine addiction and cancer later in his career, is now looking to recuperate after also suffering a “significant toll on his mental well-being.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation read: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. “As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him. Most read in Football”We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Canoville later battled crack cocaine addiction and cancerCredit: PAHe now runs the Paul Canoville FoundationCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC“Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”Chelsea sent their best wishes to their former star and paid tribute to him in a statement.It read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time.”Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many.”After his time at Reading, Canoville turned out for Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood and Egham Town before retiring in 1994.Towards the end of his career Canoville became addicted to crack cocaine and had several stints in rehab.The ace was also twice diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery each time.Read More on The SunIn 2015, he set up the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.And in 2021, Canoville was hospitalised after complications from emergency surgery before returning to his Foundation work. More

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      Sunderland confirm club record £20m signing in first summer transfer after winning promotion to Premier League

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      SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More

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      Soccer Aid 2025 teams in full with Wayne Rooney joined by fellow Man Utd legends and Tyson Fury managing England

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      THE full Soccer Aid teams have been revealed ahead of the charity clash with Wayne Rooney being managed by Tyson Fury.The celebrity and football legends match is set for June 15 at Old Trafford.Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will be representing England at Soccer AidCredit: PALionesses legend Jill Scott will be back in actionCredit: PAOne Direction star Louis Tomlinson is one of the many celebrities playingCredit: PAActress Vicky McClure is on the coaching staffCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesThe England team is comprised of celebrities from various backgrounds including TV, music, and comedy.Comedians Alex Brooker and Paddy McGuinness will return to the squad, having previously featured, while TV icon Vicky McClure will be in the dugout.Musicians include the likes of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and singer Tom Grennan.There are plenty of sporting legends trying their hand at football, with Olympic stars Dame Denis Lewis, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek all playing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn terms of retired footballers, manager and boxing icon Fury will have plenty of talent at his disposal.Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney.While other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Arron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.The Lionesses will also be represented as Toni Duggan and Jill Scott will be playing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the World XI also boasts plenty of football legends.A host of former Premier League stars have been confirmed in Peter Schmeichel’s team.England team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)Alex Brooker (TV personality)Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)Toni Duggan (Former footballer)Angry Ginge (YouTuber)Tom Grennan (Musician)Bear Grylls (TV personality)Joe Hart (Former footballer)Steph Houghton (Former footballer)Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)Gary Neville (Former footballer)Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Paul Scholes (Former footballer)Jill Scott (Former footballer)Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)Louis Tomlinson (Musician)Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Tyson Fury (Boxer)Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)Vicky McClure (Actor)Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)Ex-Man United, Man City and West Ham star Carlos Tevez will link up with the likes of Robbie Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Harry Kewell.In goal, Edwin van der Sar is expected to wear the gloves, two years after suffering a brain haemorrhage.Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci will make up an important part of the defence.Women’s football will be represented by former internationals Nadia Nadim and Kaylyn Kyle.In terms of celebrities the World XI has plenty of stars more used to the stage than the pitch.Singer Dermot Kennedy will join actors Martin Compston, Noah Beck and Richard Gadd.Read More on The SunThere have been 13 Soccer Aid matches since it was launched by Robbie Williams in 2006, raising around £100million for Unicef.England have won six, including the 2024 edition, while the World XI have been victorious seven times.World XI team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Tony Bellew (Former boxer)Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)Tobi Brown (YouTube star)Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor)Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)Dermot Kennedy (Musician)Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)Gorka Marquez (Dancer)Nadia Nadim (Footballer)Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)Harry Kewell (Former footballer)Big Zuu (YouTube star)Noah Beck (Actor)Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)Robbie Keane (Former footballer)Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer) More

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      Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them

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      ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho’s monster contractCredit: GettyHe has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de GamaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCoutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million.And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerrard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.Emery is preparing for several incomings too.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. More

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      Lisandro Martinez could be set to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli as Man Utd defender linked with shock transfer

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ could be set for an exit from Manchester United this summer.The Argentine defender is currently recovering from a long-term injury.Lisandro Martinez is reportedly gaining interest from NapoliCredit: GettyA transfer would see him reunite with Scott McTominayCredit: GettyThe Scottish midfielder has excelled in ItalyCredit: GettyMartinez, 27, is now facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford with Napoli reportedly interested.Corriere dello Sport has claimed that the defender is being tracked by the Serie A champions.Napoli are “monitoring” his recovery from the ACL injury that he suffered in February.It is believed that the club are not concerned about his recent issues with injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTo add, it is thought that Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is a fan of Martinez.It is not yet known whether or not Manchester United would cash in on the former Ajax man if the opportunity presented itself.If a transfer to Napoli went through, then Martinez would reunite with former Red Devil Scott McTominay.The Scottish ace made the switch last summer and has become a cult figure at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMcTominay, 28, has become an integral part of Antonio Conte’s Serie A-winning team.The midfielder netted 12 goals and provided four assists in his 34 league appearances.Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehabMcTominay’s heroics have already seen him become a fan favourite at the club.He cost Napoli just £25million, a fee that has proven to be a bargain.Martinez joined Man Utd in 2022 in a £50m deal from Ajax.He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the club and won the FA Cup and League Cup.Meanwhile, Man United have learned the wage demands of target Bryan Mbeumo.The Brentford star is asking for a weekly wage of £250,000-a-week.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      ‘Couldn’t pay me to wear it’ – Man Utd’s 2025/26 third kit LEAKED but fans are not happy with design

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      FANS declared “you couldn’t pay me to wear it” after Manchester United’s new third kit was leaked online.The Red Devils are looking to make amends after enduring a miserable campaign both domestically and abroad.Manchester United fans hit out at the club’s new third kit after it was leaked onlineCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s misfits floundered to a 15th place finish with just 11 wins.They were then handed a chance at redemption by setting up a Europa League final showdown against fellow strugglers Tottenham, with the winner also securing Champions League qualification.But a turgid performance against the Londoners saw United miss out.And fans are now bracing themselves for a fresh round of expensive summer signings, with £62.5million Wolves forward Matheus Cunha already making his Old Trafford entrance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, any supporter looking to find solace in United’s new third kit will be left sorely disappointed.That’s after fellow fans hit out at the latest design for the alternative jersey, which features a bizarre black-and-yellow colour combination.The black shirt is flecked with yellow piping, a yellow club badge and a large yellow Snapdragon logo — possibly evoking images of a giant bumble bee.It was leaked online following United’s disastrous post-season tour of Asia, which saw them lose one of their two matches while being subjected to more boos.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to hit out at the third jersey’s design.One said: “The worst shirt I’ve ever seen, couldn’t pay me to wear it.”Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inThe new jersey features a bizarre black-and-yellow colour schemeCredit: TwitterIt appears to have been inspired by United’s away kit in the 1994/95 seasonCredit: GettyEric Cantona made it infamous when he kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fanCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother declared: “Third shirt for what? We ain’t in Europe.”One noted: “United slowly losing its identity.”Another added: “F****** ugly.”However, the kit appears to have been directly inspired by United’s away shirt from the 1994/95 campaign.Eric Cantona made the top infamous when he kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fan in January 1995, resulting in a nine-month ban.Elsewhere, there has been one major boost to morale at United after captain Bruno Fernandes declared he had snubbed a mega-money offer to move to Saudi Arabia.He said: “There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask“There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with Mister Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.”We never talked about money; that was all handled by my agent, not me.“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.Read More on The Sun“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with.”But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable. I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.” More