Mario Gomez has announced his retirement from international football but has not ruled out a return for the Euro 2020 if "the head coach is in desperate need for players."

Gomez, who scored 31 goals in 78 appearances for Germany, announced his decision through a statement on Facebook.

"My international career was not always easy and I was not always successful, but the experience has been wonderful," Gomez said. "It is now time for me to retire from the team and allow the group of young players...

Benjamin Pavard's impressive strike for France against Argentina has been voted as the top goal of the World Cup.

More than three million votes from fans logged on FIFA's website gave the nod to Pavard over Juan Quintero's free kick against Japan.

Pavard levelled the round-of-16 game for France against Argentina by striking the ball with the outside of his foot from distance, and the ball curled into the net.

France went on to beat Argentina 4-3. France went on to win the tournament, beating Croatia...

Stuttgart sporting director Michael Reschke says the club are hopeful they can keep Benjamin Pavard for one more season.

The French defender impressed at the World Cup and has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich; and while Reschke admits Stuttgart are realistic about their finances, their objective would be to keep Pavard at the club another 12 months.

"Of course, as a professional club, we have to bear in mind our overall financial situation in the decision process," Reschke told ESPN...

Stuttgart are prepared to knock back any approaches this summer for defender Benjamin Pavard amid reports Bayern Munich will trigger the France international's €35 million release clause in 2019.

Currently impressing in defence for his country at the World Cup, Pavard, 22, is contracted until 2021 at the Bundesliga club. He scored a brilliant equaliser for France in their 4-3 round-of-16 victory over Argentina on Saturday.

"We make no secret of the fact that Benjamin has a release clause...