Last year’s Soccer Aid: Carlos Tevez takes the mick
Can we recreate the magic of Carlos Tevez taking last year’s Soccer Aid a bit too seriously and scoring four goals for World XI while being booed by Old Trafford?
I’ve seen what aid can do. The world is making a grave mistake with cuts – and children are paying the price
Kick off isn’t too far away now in east London. Remember that this is all for a charity doing hugely important work around the world, as Tom Hiddleston explains:
World XI line-up
Jordi Alba at left back is class. Dimitar Berbatov’s velvet touch leads the line and midfield generals Michael Essien and Nemanja Matic are joined by singer Dermot Kennedy.
World XI: Edwin van der Sar; Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jen Beattie, Richard Gaad, Jordi Alba; Nemanja Matic, Dermot Kennedy, Michael Essien; Behzinga, Dimitar Berbatov, Nabhaan Rizwan
20 years of Soccer Aid
It was a multi-day affair two decades ago when Soccer Aid launched, with practice matches and everything during a week-long programme of activities culminating in a 2-1 home win. Diego Maradona scored for the Rest of the World, arguably his most famous goal against England. Arguably.
England’s line-up: Wayne Rooney leads the hosts
Wayne Rooney to pull the strings at 10? Damson Idris is quick, apparently, so can he use his pace on the wing? Angry Ginge and Joleon Lescott is a tough centre-back partnership, while Owen Cooper starts at right-back.
England XI: Joe Hart; Owen Cooper, Angry Ginge, Joleon Lescott, Sam Thompson; Jack Wilshire, Tom Grennan; Damson Idris, Wayne Rooney, Toni Duggan, Wayne Rooney
Olly Murs in tears after completing gruelling Soccer Aid challenge to raise huge six-figure sum for charity
Olly Murs is an England stalwart in this game, a talented footballer in his youth before the X Factor provided a route to singing stardom. Not content with just jogging around the pitch like the rest of them, he took on a physical challenge this week to bolster the charity coffers even more.
Owen Cooper says Soccer Aid is ‘the highlight of it all’ despite BAFTA and Emmy success
World XI managers
It’s a two-pronged approach for the “visitors” to the London Stadium – both Clarence Seedorf and Usain Bolt are past scorers in this fixture. Heritage.
Usain Bolt (World XI)
Clarence Seedorf (World XI)
Managing England…
It’s a managerial trio for England today in what looks like a chummy crew. Perhaps one for the FA to try after this summer’s shock group-stage exit.
Robbie Williams (England)
Harry Redknapp (England)
David Seaman (England)
World XI team news
Also in action this evening are the World XI, several of which would also have been eligible for England. Fifa really need to clear up these qualification criteria.
World XI squad
Jordi Alba – Former Barcelona and Spain player
Leonardo Bonucci – Former Juventus and Italy player
Lukas Podolski – Former Arsenal and Germany player
Michael Essien – Former Chelsea and Ghana player
Dimitar Berbatov – Former Manchester United and Bulgarian player
Nemanja Matic – Former Manchester United and Serbia player
Ali Krieger – Two-time World Cup winner with United States’ Women
Behzinga – YouTuber and member of the Sidemen
Dermot Kennedy – Singer
Edwin van der Sar – Former Manchester United and Netherlands player
Maisie Adam – Comedian
Jen Beattie – Former Arsenal and Scotland player
Nicky Byrne – Singer (Westlife)
Nitro – Former Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star
Chris O’Dowd – Actor and comedian
Simon Neil – Singer (Biffy Clyro)
Richard Gadd – Actor and comedian
Nikolaj Coster Waldau – Actor
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Former Commonwealth athlete and Gladiators star
Molly McCann – Former UFC fighter
TBJZL – YouTuber and member of the Sidemen.
Frankie Dettori – Former champion horse racing jockey
