It's that time of year again as England go head-to-head with the World XI FC for the annual Soccer Aid game.
The charity game will be returning on June 12 and will be hosted at the London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. This year's charity fixture will include some football icons such as Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp and Gary Neville. Former Arsenal manager Wenger will act as World XI manager while Redknapp will be his counterpart manager for England.
The fixture will see UNICEF Ambassador Dermot O'Leary return as presenter with Maya Jama in tow. Maya, who is a DJ and radio and TV presenter, has been a Soccer Aid pundit for the past two years.
Broadcaster and former footballer Alex Scott will be returning as the pitch-side reporter.
On the pitch other 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.
Read more:
“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 will be the 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.”
Now in its 11th year, donations from Soccer Aid go to Unicef with money used to help give kids the best start in life.
Soccer Aid for Unicef 2022 is taking place at the London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The fixture has moved back to its summer date after taking place in September last year due to delays caused by the Covid pandemic.
Kick off is 7:30pm though the show starts a little earlier with plenty of build-up to the big match. Those who can't get to the match can watch it on ITV on Sunday, June 12, from 6.30pm.
Click here for the latest headlines from the Manchester Evening News
