One Direction pop star Liam Payne is set to captain England for this year’s star-packed Soccer Aid charity game.
The world’s biggest celebrity football match will also see Olympic hero Usain Bolt, Line of Duty actor Martin Compston and TV host Dermot O’Leary turning out to raise cash for UNICEF.
The star-studded line-up also includes YouTuber Chunkz, Grange Hill star Lucien Laviscount, The Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan and comedian Alex Brooker.
Speaking to PA Media about his new role, Liam Payne gushed: “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!”
While disability advocate Alex Brooker added: “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.”
Among the big name ex-professional players taking part at the London Stadium on June 12 will be Sky Sports rivals Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville, as well Robbie Keane and Patrice Evra.
Ex-Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will manage the World XI this year – replacing Harry Redknapp who switches to the England dugout for the first time after three years of beating them.
He beamed: “Harry Redknapp, ‘England Manager’ – who would ever have thought that, eh?
“Not that I was keeping score – but they tell me that England haven’t won since 2018. Oh dear. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I would never turn my country down, so when they asked me to be England Manager, I had to say yes.
“I know Usain is a bit miffed I’m leaving him – but the big man will get over that!”
The match will be hosted live by X Factor host Dermot O’Leary, while Maya Jama and Alex Scott prepare to present the charity match.
UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams, one of the co-founders of Soccer Aid, will sing his iconic ballad Angels at half-time.
He added: “On Sunday 12th June, I will sing Angels in front of 60,000 people at the London Stadium.
“I already know that it is going to be one of the most special nights of my career – and I want as many of you as possible to be part of it.
“In so doing, people will be supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which has raised £60m since we started it 16 years ago.”
Tickets for the game are on sale now, with the match set to air live on ITV and STV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
