Soccer Aid will kick off this Sunday with the full line ups revealing a host of former Premier League greats set to take part.
The brainchild of Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid began life in 2006 as a match to raise funds for UNICEF. The annual game sees England take on their opponents, Soccer Aid World XI FC and over the years the game has seen footballing icons such as Gianfranco Zola, Francesco Totti, Roberto Carlos and even the late great Diego Maradona take part.
The game has become synonymous with starry names from the world of movies, television and music going toe to toe with the greats of the game. Glitzy names such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and Damian Lewis are just some of the Hollywood contingent to play in the game since its inception.
Aside from the usual quota of celebs, this year's clash will see a number of ex-Premier League names from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs lace up. In the dug out, it will be an all-former Stamford Bridge affair with Frank Lampard taking the reigns of England and ex-Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino returning to his role as manager of the World XI, while Jesus Perez, Pochettino's assistant at Chelsea will also be in the dugout.
Alongside Lampard and Pochettino, Chelsea are also well represented by past legends Eden Hazard, Petr Cech, Michael Essien, Gary Cahill, John Obi Mikel and Joe Cole, who also had a brief stint at Liverpool, as well as former Chelsea Women winger Karen Carney. Liverpool are also represented by former goalkeeper David James.
Joining them are former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, Arsenal alumni David Seaman and Jack Wilshere, England Women's legend Jill Scott while Harry Redknapp will also chip in with managerial wisdom alongside Lampard and Robbie Williams.
As well as footy legends, the game will once again feature a wealth of celebrities and famous sports personalities. Gracing the pitch this year are Olympic icons Usain Bolt and Sir Mo Farah, DJ Roman Kemp, Line of Duty star Martin Compston and podcaster, former boxer Tony Bellew and current fighter Tommy Fury as well as author Steven Bartlett. New signings for the 2024 edition include England cricket maestro Stuart Broad, King of the Jungle Sam Thompson and Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier.
Speaking about returning to Stamford Bridge so soon, Pochettino said: "The 2023 match was a great experience to be a part of and that is why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, particularly as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the opposing dugout for England."
For this year's game, the England team will be sporting a specifically designed Euro '96 kit remake with the game coming just five days before Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany. The World XI will also wear a specially designed and limited edition Adidas kit.
Since beginning in 2006, England have won the fixture five times but their last win came back in 2018. The World XI have won seven times and last year saw them take the champion title for the fifth year on the run.
Last year's fixture saw the World XI win 4-2 and as always, all money raised from the event will help Unicef protect children from disease and malnutrition as well as supporting their mental health and assisting during times of crisis in wartorn countries.
England Team Frank Lampard Harry Redknapp David Seaman Vicky McClure Robbie Williams Skills coach: Billy Wingrove Jill Scott Paddy McGuinness David James David Seaman Jermain Defoe Jack Wilshere Karen Carney Gary Cahill Tom Grennan Steven Bartlett Erin Doherty Sir Mo Farah Alex Brooker Stuart Broad Bobby Brazier Sam Thompson World XI Team Mauricio Pochettino Jesus Perez Skills coach: Billy Wingrove Captain: Usain Bolt Maisie Adam Theo Baker Tony Bellew Roberto Carlos Petr Cech Martin Compston Alessandro Del Piero Diamond Michael Essien Patrice Evra Tommy Fury Eden Hazard Roman Kemp Kaylyn Kyle Lee Mack Jason Manford John Obi Mikel Emmett J. ScanlanThe live show will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O'Leary, who will be joined once again by UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter, Alex Scott and you can watch live on Sunday, June 9 at 6pm on ITV, ITVX and STV. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.
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