Soccer Aid is back on our screens as England go head-to-head with the World XI FC. The UNICEF game is hosted at the London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford with broadcaster and former footballer Alex Scott returning as pitch-side reporter alongside Dermot O'Leary.
The compliments came flooding in as Alex, who played for England as a right-back for Arsenal in the FA Women's Super League, presented the ITV coverage of the annual event. She wowed in a sleek black dress with cut-out detail at the front.
But other viewers thought the outfit wasn't appropriate for the star-studded charity event, which was launched by pop superstar Robbie Williams and his friend Jonathan Wilkes in 2006. @LisaKate77 tweeted: "Really like Alex but I do think they are a bit overdressed for this occasion."
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@aaronleemitchel commented: "Interesting choice of dress from Alex Scott considering it’s supposedly family entertainment. #SoccerAid." And @CarlosSantana49 complained: "Rediculous (sic) dress for a sport charity event!!!"
But @PhilBreen4 said: "Suppose it’s that time to remind Jacamo Menswear Twitter that Alex Scott has 140 caps and tons of silverware..you’ve a bucket hat and a Pot Noodle fork #SoccerAid."
@TellyChat_ praised: "Alex Scott looks unreal." @DazNorm2583 complimented: "@AlexScott looking lovely for #SoccerAid tonight." And @fortyovers said: "Alex Scott. Really dressed to impress, stunning."
@garyhayles85 tweeted: "Alex Scott on Soccer Aid ....Beautiful." @stephpgold said: "Alex Scott is perfection." @BigboyBannerman applauded: "Alex Scott is a superb anchor." And @AaronGartrell90 said: " Alex Scott looks incredible."
Within seconds of the show starting on ITV Dermot was ambushed on the pitch by excited players including long-distance running legend Mo Farah, singer Tom Grennan and social media star Chunkz. "This is the start of what is to come," Alex laughed.
Big names taking part include Former One Direction singer Liam Payne who will captain England. Payne, 28, said: “It doesn’t get much better than captaining England in Soccer Aid while fundraising for Unicef.
“I can’t believe I get to run out onto the pitch with some of my heroes all while raising money for such a great cause. To be given the captain’s armband is a real honour and I’m determined to lead us to victory!”
TV personality and comedian Alex Brooker is first physically disabled Soccer Aid player. Speaking ahead of the match Brooker said: “I’m so excited to be a part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. I’ve watched it for years and I’m proud that I will be the first physically disabled person to play in the match.
“When I was a baby, my parents didn’t even know if I’d end up being able to walk, so to be involved in something like this is special. I should add that I’m right footed and don’t have a right foot, so I’m not gonna be a game changer! But I just can’t wait to be involved.”
Donations from Soccer Aid go to Unicef with money used to help give kids the best start in life. The fixture has moved back to its summer date after taking place in September last year due to delays caused by the Covid pandemic.
