SOCCER AID 2018 – STAR-STUDDED TEAM
SOCCER AID 2018 – STAR-STUDDED TEAM
Soccer Aid is a charity fundraiser which was first staged in 2006.
Over the last 12 years, £24million has been raised through Soccer Aid which has all been donated to Unicef.
The two sides are made of football stars and celebrities from the world of TV, film and sport.
Who will win?
Bookmaker Coral has odds on Usain Bolt’s World XI as the favourite for victory at odds of 4-6.
England are 9-4, while the draw is 9-2.
Harry Aitkenhead, of Coral, said: “As a Manchester United fan himself, Usain Bolt will be relishing the chance to run out at Old Trafford and we’re expecting the star studded Rest of the World team to be too strong for the England boys.
“It’s always great to see the celebrities running out alongside our legends and at the moment Lee Mack, Olly Murs and Mark Wright have all been popular bets by punters on who might score the first goal on the night.”
SOCCER Aid 2018 is set to be bigger and better than ever thanks to a star-studded line-up.
Robbie Williams has once again enlisted the help of some serious A-listers to play in the match at Old Trafford. But who has signed up to participate?
Robbie Williams will head up the England Team and Olympian Usain Bolt will be captain of the World XI Team.
They will compete against each other with teams made up of A-list stars and footballing legends.
********** TEAM: ENGLAND **********
Robbie Williams – Captain
Robbie Williams is a singer famed for being part of Take That.
In 2006, Robbie – who is Unicef UK Ambassador – and his best mate Jonathan Wilkes – came up with the idea of Soccer Aid.
Robbie has captained the England team ever since.
Paddy McGuinness
This will be the fifth time Paddy has played in Soccer Aid and he will be on Robbie’s England squad.
Paddy is a well known TV presenter, and is famous for his show Take Me Out.
He said: “It’s always such a privilege to be asked back to play at Soccer Aid and represent England.
“I’ve stitched up and pranked a few players over the years – and let me tell you, this year nobody is safe! – but in all seriousness I’m here to help raise money for a great cause.
“Usain’s OK up to 9.58 seconds but the game is 90 minutes, let’s see what he’s got in the tank!”
Mo Farah
Olympic legend Mo Farah announced on Twitter that he would be taking part in Soccer Aid.
He tweeted: “Finally I can announce that I’ll be playing in @socceraid for @UNICEF_uk at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June.”
And he had a dig at opposing team captain and sprinter Bolt saying: “Remember @usainbolt, it’s a marathon not a sprint!”
Michael Owen
Michael Owen will be putting on the England shirt again as he joins Robbie’s team.
Soccer Aid will see the striker return to Old Trafford where he played towards the end of his career following spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to playing in Soccer Aid, helping raise money for Unicef.
“Pulling on the England shirt was always a huge honour for me and it will feel very special to do that again on June 10.
“The only problem is that we’re going to have Paddy McGuinness marking Yaya Touré and Usain Bolt – that alone has got to be worth buying a ticket for!”
Mark Wright
Mark Wright, former Towie star turned TV and radio presenter, shared his excitement on social media at being picked for Robbie’s England team for the second time.
He put on a man of the match performance in 2016, scoring a match-winning goal.
Mark said: “Topping my Man of the Match performance and worldie free-kick in Soccer Aid 2016 is going to be hard, but I’m sure I can pull something out the bag.
“Getting another chance to play alongside football legends is a childhood dream come true, and knowing I’m going to be on the same pitch as Usain Bolt this year is absolutely mind-blowing.
“What also makes this whole experience bigger and better than ever is that from today your donations to help children in danger around the world will be matched pound for pound.
“Sunday 10th June at Old Trafford really is going to be a day to remember!”
Joe Wicks
The Body Coach Joe Wicks has also confirmed he’s joining the England side.
Joe said: “Come on England. Soccer Aid for Unicef is a game like no other.
“I’ll see you at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th of June.”
Olly Murs
Singer Olly Murs announced on Twitter that he’s taking part in Soccer Aid.
He wrote: “I’M BACK‼AND so is @socceraid Buy your tickets to this year’s #SoccerAid for @UNICEF_uk or call 0161 444 2018 #TeamRobbie Vs #TeamUsain ⚽???”
Damien Lewis
This won’t be the Homeland and Billions star’s first rodeo as he was one of the starting XI in the very first Soccer Aid back in 2006.
He’s played in several other tournaments, usually taking to the midfield position.
Jamie Redknapp
Jamie will be playing for England again and he couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospect.
He said: “Every former pro will tell you that they really miss playing, so I jump at any chance to pull my boots on again – especially for Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“I’ve not done too badly in these games over the years but I think both line-ups this year are stronger than ever.”
Danny Murphy
Danny Murphy is a steadfast professional and true master of the game.
He played the professional level for 20 years and spent some of his best with Fulhamand Tottenham Hotspur.
Phil Neville
The England and Manchester United star is putting the England shirt back on for Unicef.
He’s currently head of the England’s women’s team and is often seen as a pundit on Sky Sports.
Along with a few of his old Man U team-mates, he is a part owner of the team Salford City.
David Seaman
One of Arsenal’s greatest ever players, David Seaman is coming back out of retirement to help England win again.
The legendary goalkeeper might be best known for some flops and, indeed, gravity-defying saves, he’s also known for his dance moves on the ice.
In 2004, David joined BBC’s Dancing on Ice just eight days before the show started and then went on to win the thing with his partner Zoia Birmingham.
Wes Brown
Wes played for Manchester United between 1996 and 2011, making him one of the club’s longest running and brightest stars.
He might have retired from international football in 2010, but he’s making an exception for Robbie and Unicef!
Robbie Fowler
Robbie Fowler is a natural scorer and Robbie’s England XI will be glad to have someone with such a winning attitude on the field.
He’s best-known for his incredible career at Liverpool but the record-breaking goal-scorer has played for Leeds, Man City, Cardiff and even the Thai team Muangthong United.
Myles Stephenson
Myles shot to fame as a member of 2017’s X-Factor winning group Rak-Su.
Mentored by Simon Cowell, they comprise Myles, Rak-Su J, Ashley Rak-Su and Pharoahcious.
Lee Mack
The Merseyside-born comedian became a household name in the UK due to his sitcom Not Going Out and work on the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You?
Lee said he plans to bring “unrivalled physical prowess, unbelievable abilities, and movie star good looks” to proceedings.
Freddie Flintoff
Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is one of England’s greatest Test cricketers – and was instrumental in the unforgettable Ashes series back in 2005.
He’s now trying his hand at football, in his own words asking “How hard can it be?”
Who else is playing for the England XI?
Joining Robbie’s team is Homeland actor David Harewood, Good Morning presenter Ben Shephard, comedians John Bishop and Bradley Walsh, and footballer Emile Heskey.
Someone in charge of bringing the flair to the occasion will be football freestyler Billy Wingrove, who is a YouTube superstar thanks to his dazzling array of tricks and flicks.
********** TEAM: REST OF THE WORLD **********
Usain Bolt – Captain
Usain is one of the most famous athletes in the world – even though he announced his retirement from the sport last year.
The 31-year-old sprinter won eight Olympic gold medals, is an eleven-time World Champion. He broke both the 100m and 200m sprint world records multiple times
On February 27, 2018, Usain announced he would be playing for Soccer Aid. After weeks of teasing that he had signed to a team.
Yaya Touré
Yaya is a two-time Premier League winner with Manchester City and he will be part of Usain’s World XI team.
He has played more than 100 times for the Ivory Coast, as well as winning La Liga and the Uefa Champions League following a three-year period at Barcelona.
He said: “I haven’t done too badly at Old Trafford over the years, so hopefully this match will be another victory.
“Both teams are looking strong, so it should be a great game. I know how much the people in this country love their football. And which is why I know you will come and support us and Unicef.
“Together we’ll put on a great show and help children around the world.”
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay has announced on social media that he will be joining Usain Bolt, Robbie Williams and more for Soccer Aid 2018.
The chef has previously played on the Soccer Aid pitch and hopes to reclaim his title.
He suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon when he tackled ex-footballer Teddy Sheringham back in 2012.
Brendan Cole
Brendan Cole is an ex-professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.
This will be his first TV appearance since his contract wasn’t renewed in January.
Brendan will be joining Team Usain.
He said: “For years, I have been a massive fan of the match. To be able to finally announce I will be swapping my dancing shoes for football boots feels incredible.
“What’s bigger than the nation’s love of dancing? The nation’s love of the beautiful game. I’m aiming for tens across the board.”
Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen is one of the greatest ever batsmen that’s ever played for the English cricket team.
But the England star was actually born in South Africa and he’s leapt at the opportunity to play for the Rest of the World team against Robbie’s England.
Kevin said: “The loyalty I showed to the Three Lions throughout my cricket career was undeniable. But Soccer Aid for Unicef is a game like no other, so I’m prepared to play against England if it means I can raise money for Unicef.”
Dan Carter
The All-Blacks rugby star will be testing the strength of his boot against a ball that’s a little rounder than usual.
The New Zealand player announced he’ll join the World XI at Old Trafford. And can’t wait to play with captain Usain Bolt.
Martin Compston
Scottish actor Martin Compston will again be stepping into the Line of Duty but for Usain’s World XI.
The Greenock-born star was also a professional footballer before finding fame as DS Steve Arnott.
Eric Cantona
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona is returning to the place he made his name.
On his return to Old Trafford, King Eric said: “There’s no place like home.
“Knowing I’m coming back to Old Trafford is a special feeling. And I’m looking forward to seeing the stands full of familiar faces.
When is Soccer Aid? And how do I get a ticket?
Soccer Aid is on June 10, 2018, and will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Tickets are on sale now and are priced between £10 and £50.
They are available at www.manutd.com/socceraid or by calling 0161 444 2018
The match will be screened on ITV – a time is yet to be confirmed.
Source: thesun.co.uk, express.co.uk
