SOCCER AID is back TONIGHT as the huge charity game returns to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019.
That match – won by the World XI 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw – began a run of five consecutive victories for the visiting stars.
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England will be desperate to win the charity game for the first time since 2018 and even have a new manager on the bench to help them.
Frank Lampard is back for a third spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, only this time he has swapped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher for Robbie Williams and Bobby Brazier.
There could also be some potential embarrassment in the World XI bench – Mauricio Pochettino is named for the second year running, just weeks after leaving Chelsea.
Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.
Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?
Many football legends and celebrities have already confirmed that they will play in the charity match.
Although squads may be subject to change, due to injuries for example, this is how they are shaping up at the moment:
England: Frank Lampard (co-manager), Harry Redknapp (co-manager), Take That singer Robbie Williams (co-manager), Lionesses star Jill Scott (captain), TV presenter Paddy McGuinness (famous goalkeeper) , football ace David James (Professional goalkeeper), former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman (goalkeeping coach), footballers Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere and Joe Cole, TV commentator and former footballer Karen Carney, player footballer Gary Cahill, singer Tom Grennan, Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett, actress Erin Doherty, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, comedian Alex Brooker, former cricketer Stuart Broad, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, Jungle King Sam Thompson, star of football Ellen White, footballer Theo Walcott, actor Danny Dyer, YouTuber Miniminter, sports promoter Eddie Hearn, former hockey star Sam Quek and Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston.
World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (manager), Jesus Perez (coach), Olympic star Usain Bolt (captain), former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, footballer Roberto Carlos, Line Of Duty actor Martin Compston, comedian Maisie Adam, One presenter Show Roman Kemp, 1% Club presenter Lee Mack, boxer Tommy Fury, gladiator Diamond, footballers Michael Essien and Patrice Evra, former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, funnyman Jason Manford, football ace John Obi Mikel, football player Kaylyn Kyle, YouTuber Theo Baker, boxer Tony Bellew, football player Alessandro Del Piero, actor Emmett J Scanlan, Spanish football player Olga Garcia and French football player Kheira Hamraoui .
Sidemen star Billy Wingrove also features as a football and skills coach for both sides.
When is Soccer Aid 2024?
Football Aid takes place in Sunday, June 9th, 2024.
Kick-off will be at 7:30pm BST.
The match, which was played at Old Trafford in 2024, returned to Chelsea’s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been played at SW6 since 2019.
General tickets are all sold out.
England will also wear a special kit replicating the Three Lions’ Euro 96 kit.
Where can I watch Soccer Aid 2024?
Soccer Aid will once again be broadcast for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).
It can also be streamed online with ITVX.
Unicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-communicators.
There will also be a full halftime show.
How much did Soccer Aid raise for Unicef?
The charity football match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90 million in total for the global children’s charity Unicef.
The 2023 tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record £14.6 million.
What was said?
England manager Frank Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sell-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion.
“I’m excited to be doing it again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry [Redknapp] It will be a proud moment and lots of fun – but the main focus is on the millions of pounds we can all raise together.”
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Chelsea legend Eden Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I’m coming home on June 9th!
“I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge has always been incredible.
“We won so many trophies together there.
“Some of the best football memories I have – seven brilliant years. I miss them.
“As we enter a new chapter, we can write a new story with Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“Together we can and will raise millions of pounds for children around the world.”
Football Aid Statistics
SOCCER AID has been played since 2006.
It was founded by Robbie Williams and his friend Jonathan Wilkes.
It started as a biennial event, but since 2018 it has been played every year.
The match is between England and a World XI.
I’m a Celeb winner, Sam Thompson said: “From watching Chelsea from the stands all my life to going out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans.
“As almost everyone knows, I’m a huge Chelsea fan so I can’t believe this is actually happening.
“I know everyone must say this – but this is my real dream come true.
“I live near Stamford Bridge and have watched so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t believe I’m about to play with some of them.
“I mean, Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s crazy.
“As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character, but this has taken me to a new level.
“This is a brilliant family day that I am honored to be a part of.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
