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    Germany star who was axed from World Cup after being caught with a sex worker reveals he’s had PILES for 10 years

    MAX KRUSE has revealed the torment of his ten-year battle with HAEMORRHOIDS.The striker won 14 caps for Germany and played for Bundesliga clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg.Max Kruse played for ten years with haemorrhoidsCredit: GettyIt is currently on Big Brother in GermanyCredit: JoynNewly-retired Kruse said earlier this week that he was axed from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad after being caught with a sex worker in London.And the 36-year-old has now confessed to suffering further pain after living with piles for a decade.Kruse is currently taking part in German TV’s version of Big Brother.He told housemates: “I have haemorrhoids. I have never been to the doctors about them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I have been fighting a running battle with them for ten years.”I am no fan of the idea of using the sort of chair a woman sits on at the gynaecologist’s surgery to have my backside looked at.”Then someone will fumble around in my rear end.  I still struggle to cope with the idea.”Kruse’s housemates Leyla Lahouar and Mike Heiter voiced their dismay at having to use the same toilet and swimming pool as him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also urged the former German international to see a doctor once he leaves the Big Brother house.Kruse has made as many headlines off the field as on it during his controversial career.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe has enjoyed a lucrative side hustle playing poker, regularly competing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.But he was disciplined by Wolfsburg in 2016 after losing 75,000 euros in cash, which he left in the back of a taxi.His other clubs include St Pauli, Freiburg, Union Berlin, SC Paderborn and Turkish side Fenerbahce.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Lee Carsley reveals how England can win World Cup as he warns ‘we can’t just do the same and expect something different’

    LEE CARSLEY believes England can win the 2026 World Cup — but only if the Three Lions embrace change.Interim boss Carsley saw his gamble to play without a recognised No 9 backfire in the shock 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday.England interim boss Lee Carsley claims the national team can win the 2026 World CupCredit: GettyEngland can only end their trophy drought if they embrace change, claims CarsleyCredit: AlamyEngland’s men have not won a major tournament since 1966. But after two Euro final defeats, Carsley is on a mission to find the magic formula that will see Harry Kane and Co finally end 60 years of hurt.Carsley said: “I’m really wary of the fact that the last time we won something was 1966, so we have to have that ability to try something different. We’re not that far away. We have been close twice.“It was important that I put my own stamp on the team and the squad and tried something different because the understanding is that, unless it changes, it won’t change.”Predecessor Gareth Southgate took England to the last two Euros finals, losing to Italy on penalties in 2021 and 2-1 against Spain in the summer.Read More on FootballHe also oversaw World Cup campaigns that ended at the semi-final stage in 2018 and last eight two years ago.But Southgate was often criticised for being too cautious tactically.Now Carsley, who takes charge for the fourth time as caretaker on Sunday’s Nations League clash with Finland, added: “Your human instinct is to be safe, to go with things that you’re comfortable with.“But I felt it was important to be out of my comfort zone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I have to try something because we’ve got to put ourselves in a position where we can win.“To think that we can just do the same again and expect something different is naive.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shocker“I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself but for the rest of the staff and players to try something different.“We’re also looking bigger picture in terms of World Cup qualification and then hopefully the World Cup — that we’ve got a good understanding of the player capabilities.”Some reports claim Carsley has doubts over taking the job long-term but he refuses to rule himself out completely.He said: “I don’t see this as an audition. I don’t see it as the biggest chance I have ever had.“I see it as a privilege. I see it as an unbelievable responsibility.“I have got three more games left and I want to try to make sure that the squad are in a really good position.The youth paves the way“That we have seen players play in different positions and we are in a healthy position.”Carsley, 50, wants to adopt a more attacking brand of football, having triumphed at last year’s Under-21 Euros playing that way.It was the latest in a number of youth competitions won by England in the last decade.And Carsley believes it will pave the way to senior success — just like it has for Germany and Spain in recent decades.Asked if he really felt England can win the next World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, the former Everton midfielder replied: “Yeah.“The past is a good indicator of the future and we’ve got quite a few players now that have won a lot with England. They’ve felt that before.England stars ‘used to winning’“They come to St George’s, they come on England camps, and they’re used to winning.“They’re used to being in the latter stages of competitions and being successful. That can only be a good thing for us.“If you think back to that Germany team, and the Spain team, that were really successful at the younger age groups that came through.“I think potentially we could be coming into a period of that ilk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve been so close in the past and with a bit more luck, or belief, on our side it could have been different.“But as we stand at the minute it’s not, so I believe that we could be coming into a phase of that kind of success.” More

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    North Korea win Women’s U20 World Cup final against Japan after stunning victories over USA and Brazil

    NORTH KOREA have won the Women’s U20 World Cup after beating Japan in the final.Choe Il-Son was the hero as she netted a brilliant winner to hand North Korea the trophy.North Korea are Women’s U20 World Cup championsCredit: EPAChoe Il-Son celebrates with her team-mates after netting the winnerCredit: RexThey shocked several big favourites on the road to glory in Bogata including USA and Brazil.And the final continued the theme with North Korea big underdogs going up against Japan.But they created a piece of history and their 1-0 win means they are U20 World Cup champions for a third time.Choe was the hero and she won the game in style, bending a left-footed shot into the back of the net with the help of a headed flick from a defender.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 17-year-old picked up the ball on the right flank and cleverly stepped over it, allowing her to beat her marker to the ball.She then darted inside before unleashing the curling drive that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out.That sparked wild scenes as Choe’s team-mates all rushed over and a massive pile-on ensued.Fans were amazed by the victory and many offered their congratulations.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fan said: “What a team!!”Another added: “Congratulations girls. You are the best.”Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, admits dementia fears as legendary Man Utd boss opens up on tragic death of wife CathyAnd a third wrote: “Well deserved to be honest. They were good throughout the tournament.👏🏽” More

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    Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

    ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

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    Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

    A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    VAR ruins football & must be ditched, says 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst – so would it have ruled out THAT goal?

    VAR is ruining football and must go, according to Sir Geoff Hurst, scorer of the most controversial goal in history. But England’s 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero says goal-line technology, which may have ruled out his second strike, should stay.Sir Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick secured England the 1966 World CupCredit: ColorsportSir Geoff says goal-line technology, which may have ruled out his second strike, should stayHowever he thinks VAR is ruining football and called it a ‘joke’Credit: ITNThe 82-year-old insisted he is a fan of modern tech but called VAR a “joke” that delays the game and stops fans from properly celebrating a goal.He said: “They are making more bad decisions now and you don’t want to see people take ages to make a decision. “It’s ruining the spectacle, and the fans can’t cheer.“It’s actually spoiling the game.”read more on footballDebate still rages over whether Sir Geoff’s second goal against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley did actually cross the line.And 44 years later he was in South Africa to witness Frank Lampard’s 2010 World Cup goal against the Germans being famously ruled out, despite being well over the line.Sir Geoff recalled: “I was the opposite side to the linesman and I could see the ball bounce halfway between the goal-line and the back of the net.“That was the most disgraceful decision we’ve seen in football and then they introduced goal-line technology.”Most read in FootballHe predicts big things for Gareth Southgate’s boys at the Euros next month — especially Jude Bellingham.He said: “The bunch of young players are the best we’ve had since 1966. England legend Sir Geoff Hurst reveals his damning thoughts on VAR“We’ve got quality players in all positions and his biggest issue is he can only pick 11 of them.“If you have to pick one player out, I would say Jude Bellingham.“He is doing astonishingly well for a 20-year-old. “He is in the same category as people like George Best and Bobby Charlton.”Sir Geoff revealed he uses his iPad to watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer — but skips the post-match analysis.He said: “I think they spend too much time on punditry, which is just one person’s opinion. “There are some awful commentators who don’t know what to say and so they just waffle on.”The football legend — the last survivor from the 1966 triumph — is now encouraging other older folk to learn digital skills to improve their quality of life.Sir Geoff, who teamed up with BT and AbilityNet, said: “I do internet banking and use the Trainline app to buy tickets. “I use technology to keep up with family, to send photos and we have a WhatsApp group called Family Bantz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But if I’ve got an issue with something, I go to my children or grand-children — it’s as simple as that.“And if I get something that could be a scam I bin it.” More

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    Cesar Lusi Menotti dies aged 85: Ex-Barcelona & Argentina manager who led his country to World Cup win in 1978 has died

    LEGENDARY former Argentina and Barcelona manager Cesar Luis Menotti has died aged 85.The iconic gaffer, who led his country to their first ever World Cup win in 1978, had been in hospital for a month with severe anemia.Cesar Luis Menotti blended tactics, philosophy and politics to lead Argentina to the World Cup in 1978Credit: PA:Empics SportFormer Argentina football team coach Cesar Luis Menotti in 2019Credit: AFPMenotti, who would smoke throughout matches, chats to Argentina captain Daniel Passarella in 1980Credit: GettyThe former world champion coach speaking with Argentina legend Lionel Messi (right) in 2019Credit: GettyThe Rosario-born tactician guided Argentina to a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands, as extra-time goals from tournament top scorer Mario Kempes and team-mate Daniel Bertoni sealed the win 46 years ago.The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his death today in a statement.It read: “The Argentine Football Association regrets to report with great sadness the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, current Director of National Teams and former World Champion coach of Argentina.”Last month, Menotti was admitted to hospital with severe anemia and underwent surgery for phlebitis. Read More in FootballMenotti was the mastermind behind Argentina’s first ever global triumph as they got their hands on the the most iconic trophy in football.As the manager of La Albiceleste, he took a team that had limped out of the 1974 World Cup in Germany and turned them into world beaters.Tributes have since poured in for the World Cup winning coach.President of the AFA, Chiqui Tapia, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Dear Flaco, it is an immense pain to have to say goodbye to you. You left us a lot during your time in the national team and in football.Most read in Football”Without a doubt, your passage to immortality will be with the best memories of all of us who love the round. “I send a warm hug on behalf of myself and all of Argentine Football to all of Cesar’s family at this moment. See you always dear friend!”Argentina’s current president, Javier Milei, also said: “RIP. Deep pain for the departure of the leader of a group that has given one of the greatest joys to the country. “Although I adhere to another school, it would be foolish to deny the contribution of César Luis Menotti. Goodbye Flaco.”There was also a tribute to Menotti during Sunday’s League Cup final in Argentina by Velez Sarsfield and Estudiantes. A minute’s silence was held at half-time, with all invovled paying their respects.A tall, slender figure on the sidelines Menotti would famously smoke throughout matches.The talented manager also enjoyed spells as the coach of Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate and Atletico Madrid to name but a few.Menotti took charge of the Mexican national team in the early 1990s, rebuilding the side after their disqualification from the 1990 World CupA striker in his playing days, Menotti played in Argentina with Rosario Central, Racing Club, Boca Juniors. He later joined the New York Generals before playing for Santos and Juventus in Brazil.Argentina have won the prestigious World Cup trophy twice since Menotti managed them to success in 1978.They triumphed again in 1986 in Mexico with the iconic Diego Maradona playing a starring role in the tournament.In 2022, footballing legend Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to lift the most prestigious trophy of all for a third time.READ MORE SUN STORIESLa Albiceleste defeated France in one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.Argentina has also been runner-up three times: in 1930, 1990 and 2014.Menotti, in charge of a match at the Nou Camp while at Barcelona in 1984 More

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    I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

    CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He said: “David was great with me. Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.READ MORE TOP STORIES“There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’“He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. He was my hero so that was special.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More