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    Lily Allen’s actor dad reveals he’s still raking in £20,000 PER YEAR from iconic World Cup anthem decades on

    LILY ALLEN’S dad is still raking in a whopping £20,000 per year from his iconic World Cup anthem. Keith Allen, 70, wrote the lyrics to Vindaloo ahead of the 1998 World Cup.Keith Allen is the father of singer Lily AllenCredit: GettyAllen stars in the music video and sings on VindalooCredit: YouTube @UnionSquareMusicThe song was released just before the tournament in France and was initially written as a parody of football chants with its references to the spicy curry.But it took off as Allen Sr teamed up with bassists Alex James and Guy Pratt – as well as daughter Lily with him on vocals – to produce the single under the band name Fat Les. It reached No2 in the UK charts, pipped only by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s Three Lions remake. And Allen is still reaping the rewards of its tremendous success. READ MORE ON SPORTAsked if he still gets royalties for his football record, he told The Telegraph: “Oh God yeah, a lot, probably about £20,000 a year. “I mean, I get more money from Vindaloo than a lot of things.”I’m always earning money off Vindaloo. “The song gets used for all sorts of things and various campaigns. In fact it’s going to be used for one for Deliveroo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Guy Pratt played bass on it and he’s earned more money from Vindaloo than anything he’s ever done with Pink Floyd.”Vindaloo remains a hugely popular song, especially for England fans around major tournaments.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanSo it will no doubt resurface this summer during Euro 2024 alongside the likes of Three Lions and World In Motion.Allen also co-wrote the lyrics to World In Motion for Italia 90 as New Order linked up with the England team – specifically guest rapper John Barnes – to record the UK No1. The actor, author, broadcaster and comedian – who was paid £182,000 in today’s money to appear as the tooth fairy in a Listerine advert – has six children with four different women.That includes pop star daughter Lily and Game of Thrones actor Alfie Allen with his first wife Alison Owen.Lily was crowned British Female Solo Artist of the Year at the 2010 Brit Awards following the release of her It’s Not Me, It’s You album. More

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    Captain resigns and retires after ‘humiliating’ World Cup qualifier and tells wife ‘I really cannot accept it’

    CHINA’S national team captain has retired from international duty after his country’s “humiliating” draw with Singapore.Zhang Linpeng threw in the towel after China could only muster a 2-2 stalemate in yesterday’s World Cup qualifier.China captain Zhang Linpeng has retired from national team dutyCredit: AlamyThe 34-year-old defender currently plays for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port, having previously spent 11 years with rivals Guangzhou Evergrande.Zhang had featured 105 times for China ever since his debut in 2009, with World Cup winner and ex-boss Marcelo Lippi previously labelling him the nation’s “best footballer.”But his extraordinary international career is now at an end.China were expected to easily triumph over Singapore on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere are 70 places between the pair in Fifa’s world rankings, with China currently 88th.And things appeared to be going smoothly for the world’s third-biggest country as they raced into a two-goal lead.But Singapore pulled a goal back in the second half before levelling things in the 81st minute.And during the post-match press conference, Zhang announced that not only was he stepping down as China’s captain due to the “humiliating” result, he was also retiring from international duty for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I thought about it for a long while, I think it’s time to end my national team career.“We could not even beat the Singapore team. I think it’s unacceptable and I find it humiliating.”Oscar shows off his best moves for Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported that Zhang’s wife posted a message he sent her to social media.It read: “I really feel like I cannot do any better than this anymore.“Every day I am really putting in 100 per cent to 200 per cent effort, but this result, I really cannot accept it, so let’s just end it here.”China will now look to avenge their draw when they play Singapore in Tianjin next week.China national team results in 2024The games that led to Zhang’s shock retirement…

    China 1 Hong Kong 2
    China 0 Tajikistan 0
    Lebanon 0 China 0
    Qatar 1 China 0
    Singapore 2 China 2 More

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    I’m a former World Cup star who used frozen corpses to escape doping ban

    FROM dead bodies to a plea from his rivals, Paolo Guerrero escaped a drugs ban in the most unique way.The striker is Peru’s captain and was set to lead his nation to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.Paolo Guerrero captained and scored for Peru at the World Cup after a delay to his doping banCredit: Getty Images – GettyGuerrero used to play for Bayern MunichCredit: instagram @guerrero9But disaster struck just weeks after they qualified for the tournament as Guerrero failed a doping control test.After being handed an initial suspension, further tests revealed that benzoylecgonine was in his system, which is a derivative of cocaine.Guerrero claimed he was feeling unwell on international duty and had two herbal teas that could’ve included a coca leaf without his knowledge as it is a popular remedy for altitude sickness.However, Fifa slapped him with a 12-month ban from football, meaning he would miss the World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was national fury in Peru over the decision and it sparked protests.Guerrero, who won two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich in 2005 and 2006, launched an appeal with the help of an American archaeologist.In a bizarre turn of events, Charles Stanish used the frozen corpses of Inca children to prove the player was innocent.He claimed there was evidence in the hair of the famous mummies found at the top of a volcano in Llullaillaco after traces of benzoylecgonine were found.Most read in FootballThe preserved bodies are four centuries older than cocaine is and Stanish argued because of this, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest Guerrero took any drugs.The archaeologist later said his job was to prove the substance can be in your system without taking it and “the most obvious way is to have a 500-year-old mummy that tests positive before cocaine exists.”It led to the ban being reduced to six months.But doping chiefs then appealed the new ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who reinstated the year ban.Peru raged again and soon had the eyes of the football world following the case.In the World Cup, they had been drawn in a group with France, Denmark and Australia.And Peru’s protests led to the captains of those three teams penning a letter to Fifa in support of Guerrero’s plea.The 40-year-old managed to get his ban suspended amid further investigations by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.It meant Guerrero was cleared to captain his country at the World Cup, assisting ex-Premier League star Andre Carrillo’s goal, which was Peru’s first in the finals for 36 years.He then scored in their 2-0 win over Australia – but it was not enough as the South Americans crashed out in the group stage.Guerrero’s ban was later upheld and he didn’t play for another nine months.Soon after his return, he was the top scorer at Copa America in 2019 as Peru made the final.And the legend is still playing and ready to lead his country into another Copa America this summer.He has earned 114 caps for his country and has national hero status.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuerrero has recently hit the headlines again for making a plea on television to be released from his contract with Cesar Vallejo amid fears for his family’s safety.The veteran claims the club are ignoring his concerns after being targeted by local criminals.Paolo Guerrero is set to lead Peru at this summer’s Copa America aged 40Credit: EPA More

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    Why is Ben White not in the England squad?

    ARSENAL star Ben White has been left off the latest England squad.The Three Lions are set to take on Brazil and Belgium during the upcoming international break.Ben White is not in the England squadCredit: GettyAnd England manager Gareth Southgate has decided to leave White out of the squad despite his recent superb form for Arsenal.Why is Ben White not in the England squad?Southgate said “Clearly on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be here.“[FA technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last night saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads.“It’s a great shame, he’s a player I really like, a player we took to the Euros, a player I took to the World Cup.“I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him, there was clearly reticence on his side. I don’t know fully why that is, but I have to respect that.“I want to leave the door open to him, he’s a good player, a player who can make a difference for England, but he’s not available to us.”What is the England Euro 2024 squad?Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).Most read in FootballMidfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal).Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa). More

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    Fans say they are ‘already packing their bags’ with iconic stadium set to host first game of 2026 Fifa World Cup

    FANS joked they are “already packing the bags” for the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.The bumper tournament will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years’ time.
    The iconic Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 World CupCredit: Reuters
    It holds 87,523 fans to make it among the biggest football grounds in the worldCredit: Reuters
    With a record 48 teams, a whopping 16 venues across 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.
    And things will kick off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico on June 11.
    The stadium, opened in 1966, boasts an enormous rich history in football – particularly in the World Cup.
    Mexico hosted both the 1970 and 1986 editions.
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    They were won by Brazil and Argentina respectively, with two of football’s GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona on the winning teams.
    It was also the sight of Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.
    An eye-watering 132,247 spectators flocked into the Azteca to watch local hero Julio Cesar Chavez box against Greg Haugen in 1993 – the record attendance.
    These days, the ground hosts Club America and Mexico national team matches and holds 87,523, making it one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
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    And plenty of fans reacted to the news about the 2026 World Cup curtain raiser with unbridled excitement – 858 days before the opening match.
    One said: “Packing my bags. this a once in a lifetime opportunity right here.”
    Another wrote: “I pray to be there.”
    A third added: “Ayee, can’t wait to rock the World Cup vibes! Isn’t it cray-cray how we’re all already planning our sick leave for it?”
    And a final user commented: “Fantastic stadium – brilliant choice to be fair.”
    Fifa also announced the 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York – with the third-place play-off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
    Bizarrely, Kim Kardashian was the one given the honour of confirming the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will host the USA’s first group game.
    Pele and Brazil won the 1970 World Cup at the AztecaCredit: Getty More

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    Fifa World Cup 2026 final stadium revealed as raging fans say it was ‘the worst possible option’

    THE 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.During a live broadcast from Miami, Fifa revealed the venues schedule for the bumper 48-team tournament.
    MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: Getty
    The stadium holds 82,500 fans at NFL gamesCredit: AP
    The US, Mexico and Canada will host the expanded tournament, which will take place over 39 days.
    Cases were made for alternative final venues, including Texas’ AT&T Stadium.
    But it will be MetLife Stadium that hosts the showpiece occasion on July 19, 2026.
    The 82,500-seater venue is one of seven that will need to have artificial surfaces replaced by grass for the tournament.
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    Fans have been left less than enthused by today’s announcement, particularly given the surface.
    MetLife Stadium is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
    Earlier in this NFL season, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles while playing at MetLife.
    Upon the final venue announcement, one fan wrote on social media: “This was literally the worst possible option…”
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    While a second commented: “MetLife turf is an injury monster. Hope they install real grass or a different surface.”
    A third moaned: “Arghhhh. Thought Dallas would be the pick!”
    And a fourth said: “Wait until they see that turf.”
    Another added: “Have fun trying to get back to Manhattan after this game.”
    Some were more positive, however, with one saying: “If you think about it. The travel hub of nyc, and the public transportation system of NYC and Nj makes this the ideal choice to host a final.”
    And another posted: “East Coast fans rejoice.”
    The opening match of the tournament will be hosted by Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11.
    The iconic venue previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
    Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup on June 11Credit: Alamy More

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    Who is Kyle Walker’s ex-wife Annie Kilner and how many children do they have?

    IN January 2024, the wife of footballer Kyle Walker revealed that the pair had called time on their marriage.Here we take a look into the life of Annie Kilner, the reason behind their separation, and the children they share.
    Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner pictured in 2018
    Who is Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner?
    Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker started dating in their teens.
    The brunette beauty said: “When we started going out it was love at first sight.”
    They were together for over nine years before splitting in May 2019, after reality star Laura Brown opened up about romps in Walker’s £200k Bentley.
    After splitting from Kilner in 2019, the England ace was embroiled in a number of steamy encounters – culminating in a coronavirus lockdown sex party with two sex workers in April 2020.
    Walker then became a dad for the fourth time after a short-term relationship with Lauryn Goodman.
    Read More on Kyle Walker
    Annie branded him “gutless” after he broke the news over the phone.
    Brave Annie told a friend: “He’s a fool for risking his family for this.
    “When he told me I was heartbroken. I also felt physically sick. All the air in your body leaves you.
    “My world completely caved in on me in that second.
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    “It was the worst-case scenario, the one thing I dreaded most but knew was possible, given his track record with women.
    “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Not only had he cheated on me but she was pregnant with his baby.”
    In 2020, Annie told SunSport: “Kyle says he wants his future with me and the kids. He wants to marry me but he’s caused a lifetime of damage. But when you have children they come first.
    “My kids want their daddy. Until you’re in this situation you don’t know what you’d do.”
    And SunSport revealed how Annie held secret talks with lawyers over a share of Walker’s £30million fortune.
    Despite the challenges in their relationship, Walker and Kilner put their troubles behind them and got married at the beginning of 2022 after the England star proposed with a £250,000 engagement ring.
    In March 2023, the pair were spotted kissing in public, with life seemingly back to normal.
    However, that same month, Walker was seen dancing with another woman on a night out, suggesting that the couple were not as happily married as they seemed.
    Have Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner split up?
    In January 2024, Kilner revealed that the pair had called time on their marriage.
    A statement from Kilner shared to social media read: “I am posting this in response to growing recent media enquiries about my marriage to Kyle and in an effort to protect my family against the intensity of the media spotlight.
    “Sadly, after many years of marriage and three wonderful children together, I have decided to take some time away from Kyle.
    “I do not wish to comment on the position any further. For now, I ask that the privacy of myself and our three young children is respected during this difficult time.”
    On January 11, 2024, The Sun exclusively revealed that Walker was dumped after his wife confronted him over claims he’d fathered a second child with model Lauryn Goodman.
    The influencer also has a three-year-old son with Walker, from a brief relationship while he and Annie were apart.
    The Sun was told of how she has booted out the England ace – and how her fuming dad has also begged her not to go back to the footballer, or he will disown her.
    Lauryn became pregnant three months after a secret rendezvous with Walker in London and gave birth to a girl in July last year.
    Sources say Annie was “floored” after receiving a message on Boxing Day which made the same claim.
    Lauryn, 32, told her: “I don’t have two baby daddies. I have one.”
    She then forwarded a photo of Kyle secretly enjoying a playdate with their two children in a park.
    The source added: “He’d humiliated her once and now Annie suspected he’d done it again with the same woman.
    “It came out of the blue, it couldn’t have been a worse time.”
    Following the statement, Annie has privately vowed to proceed with a divorce and has even hired Coleen Rooney’s victorious Wagatha Christie lawyer, Paul Lunt.
    Sources said Kyle and Annie’s marriage had been on the rocks in the months after Lauryn gave birth and that the latest scandal is the “final straw”.
    Walker is now living in a rented apartment nearby.
    He apologised to Annie last week after she confirmed she was “taking time away”.
    The post read: “Annie is an amazing woman and I can only apologise for the upset I’ve caused her.
    “She’s been part of my life for so long and that will never change for the sake of our children.
    “I would ask for privacy for all of our family, and especially our young children, whilst we work through these difficult times.”
    It comes as Lauryn spoke in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, and said she revealed the truth so they could all “live their lives like adults”.
    Revealing why she delivered the news to Annie over Christmas, Lauryn said: ‘’I kept saying to Kyle, ‘You need to tell Annie that you are our daughter’s father and you’re having a relationship with your children.
    “We need to start 2024 out in an open way. If everyone knows where they stand. they can make their own adult choices in life.”
    Lauryn said she did not want to cause “any more heartache” for Annie but said Kyle was too weak to tell the truth.
    She added: “I didn’t want them to split up but it had to be out in the open for all of our sakes.”
    A source insisted Kyle was never in a relationship with Lauryn.
    Do Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner have any children?
    Annie and Kyle have three sons together: Roman, Riaan, and Reign.
    Annie had expressed that she’d quite like a girl, telling OK! Magazine: “I really want a little girl. I love my boys, but I’d really like a daughter as I’m outnumbered in this house.”
    In 2020 Annie revealed that she suffered a miscarriage.
    Is Annie Kilner pregnant?
    On January 15, 2024, The Sun exclusively revealed that Walker met with his estranged wife Annie Kilner – who is six months pregnant with their fourth child.
    The pair were pictured together for the first time since the split as Annie handed over their eldest son Roman Kyle, in Prestbury, Cheshire.
    Annie, who was not wearing her wedding band, is due in March and gave a glimpse of her bump.
    A source confirmed to The Sun: “Annie is six months pregnant with their fourth child. It should be a time of great joy and excitement.
    “Instead, she’s struggling greatly with the fall-out from his latest sex scandal.
    “She’s understandably fragile but doing everything to protect her children and prepare for the arrival of their fourth.
    “To his credit, Kyle is trying to put on a united front to limit the damage they have been exposed to.
    “It’s a little bit too late, but he’s trying.”
    The source said Annie told only a handful of friends and family about the pregnancy and was desperate to keep it quiet.
    They added: “She was distraught after speculation emerged at the weekend.
    “It’s every woman’s right to be able to announce they’re expecting — not someone else.
    “She was deeply hurt by what was said, especially at a time when her world is currently in free fall.”
    The source also denied claims Kyle was kicked out five months ago, and said he was given his marching orders after Lauryn told Annie the truth. More

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    World Cup final in line for unprecedented change with Fifa under pressure to ensure a faster paced game

    FIFA chiefs are under pressure to confirm the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.And there are signs that the biggest game in football could be played indoors for the first time.
    There are signs the World Cup 2026 final will be held for the first time in an indoor stadiumCredit: Getty
    New York’s MetLife Stadium had long been considered the front-runner.
    An East Coast venue would allow a mid-afternoon kick-off, prime time in Europe.
    But temperatures in the Big Apple in mid-July regularly hit 90F-plus, likely to mean stifling conditions and a slow-paced game.
    So expectations are increasing that Dallas could be the chosen option.
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    The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, 19 miles from the city, is called the world’s largest air-conditioned room,   with the retract- able roof helping set a temperature of 70F.
    It would mean a kick-off at 2pm local time to fit the demands of European audiences and likely lead to a faster game.
    Dallas and Miami — home of the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation Concacaf — are alternatives for Fifa bigwigs’ main tournament base away from New York.
    Argentina won the last World Cup in Qatar in December 2022 in an epic final against France.
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    This was the first-ever World Cup held in the winter and bang in the middle of the European football season.
    Victory gave Argentina their third World Cup win, and provided a fitting finale for captain and talisman Lionel Messi.
    La Albiceleste secured the title after winning 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
    Like the other stadiums planned for the 2022 World Cup, the 88,000-capacity stadium was air-conditioned to keep players cool using solar power. More