England take on The Rest of The World as celebrities and former footballers unite for a good cause – but who will triumph?
With the football season drawing to a close – and many of the leagues already settled – fans will be eagerly counting down the days until the start of the World Cup on 14th June.
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But before that, there’s another international football extravaganza to look forward to: Soccer Aid, one of the biggest fundraising events in sport.
The biennial match, which has run since 2006, sees an England team take on the Rest of the World, with both squads comprised of a mixture of celebrities and footballing and sporting greats, all in the name of charity.
And even the England World Cup squad are getting behind them.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2018 edition…
When is Soccer Aid 2018?
This year’s match is scheduled for Sunday 10th June, just four days before the World Cup kicks off. What better way could there be of getting into the football spirit before the big tournament gets underway?
How can I watch Soccer Aid on TV?
Coverage starts at 6.30pm on ITV on Sunday 10th June.
Where is Soccer Aid being held?
The game will be played at Old Trafford, which has hosted all but one of the previous Soccer Aid matches.
The Rest of The World team arrived in the city on Saturday, ready to take on Robbie Williams’ England squad.
Can I still buy tickets?
Yes – if you hurry! You can purchase tickets from the Manchester United website here. They are available from £20 for adults, while all children under 16 can buy a ticket for just £10. And remember: proceeds go to charity.
Who are the teams?
Soccer Aid was originally the brainchild of Robbie Williams, so it’s no surprise that the popstar once again returns to captain the England side. Williams said that he was particularly excited to be joined on the pitch by Mo Farah – and that he’s already been busy practising the Olypic gold medallist’s signature celebratory moves.
“Every player is a legend to me, but I think getting Sir Mo Farah – an actual knight of the realm – to strap on his boots for England has got to win it for me this year,” Williams said. “I’ve got high hopes for you, Mo – I’ve been practicing my Mo-Bot already!”
The team will contain former international players like Michael Owen, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Keane, and celebrities including former Homeland star Damian Lewis, singer Olly Murs, comedian Lee Mack and Take Me Out host (and Soccer Aid changing room prankster) Paddy McGuiness.
The World XI squad will be skippered by first-time Soccer Aid participant Usain Bolt – and the Olympic sprinter is ready with his fighting talk: “We have players who’ve won the FIFA World Cup, the rugby World Cup and the UEFA Champions League… I think Robbie should be pretty nervous right now.”
Bolt is taking this whole thing very seriously and has even learned some goal celebration dance moves. Magic Mike star Channing Tatum helped the sprinter prepare for victory by giving him a mini dance lesson the Graham Norton Show.
“Robbie, you better be training hard,” Bolt added. “We are coming with our ‘A’ game.”
United legend Eric Cantona will also be part of the Rest of the World team, marking a welcome return to Old Trafford: “There is no place like home,” the 51-year-old said.
Other members of the Rest of the World team include 1998 World Cup Winner Robert Pires and dancer Brendan Cole, formerly of Strictly Come Dancing.
Who are the managers?
“Big Sam” Sam Allardyce, former Everton manager, is the lead manager for Soccer Aid’s England team, accompanied by assistant managers Robbie Williams, Bradley Walsh, John Bishop and Ben Shephard. Engalnd’s goal keeping coach is Mike Stowell. The Rest of the World team is headed up by legendary footballer Eric Cantona, who’s also a player, and Vic Bettinelli is goal keeping coach.
Where do the proceeds go to?
All the proceeds, including ticket sales and public donations, go to Unicef. Since it began in 2006, Soccer Aid has helped raise almost £25 million for the children’s charity, with money going towards vaccine doses, improving drinking water and school facilities. It’s certainly a worthwhile cause.
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Who won last time?
England have a rather better record in Soccer Aid than in most major international football tournaments, having won four out of the six matches so far. This includes the match in 2017, when a Jermaine Defoe double helped the home team to a 3-2 victory.
Find out which legends and celebrities are lining up for England and The Rest Of The World in this year's charity match at Old Trafford
Soccer Aid is returning on Sunday 10th June for the biannual charity match between England and The Rest Of The World.
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As usual, the teams are made up of ‘legends’ – former football stars – and ‘celebrities’ various faces from the worlds of TV, film and sport.
The full teams have not yet been announced, but here are the players who have signed up so far…
England
Celebrities
Robbie Williams (captain)
Robbie is a Soccer Aid stalwart. Having originally conceived the idea with close friend Jonathan Wilkes, the former Take That star has appeared in all but one of the matches, even filling in as assistant manager when he was injured in 2014. He normally occupies the left-back position – and will be eager to finally score his first Soccer Aid goal.
Mo Farah
Mo may have hung up the track running boots last year, but that’s not stopped him from lacing up his football boots. Britain’s most successful long-distance runner will be appearing in Soccer Aid for the first time, and will no doubt be hoping for the opportunity to break out his trademark Mobot celebration.
Olly Murs
Olly has impressed on the wing in the last four events, with the popstar being praised as one of the best celebrity players to grace the Soccer Aid pitch. He’s one of many familiar faces returning this year.
Joe Wicks
Another Soccer Aid debutant, fitness coach and TV presenter Joe probably won’t need to worry much about stamina – he’ll likely be in better condition than most of the former professionals when the full time whistle blows!
Mark Wright
Another returning celebrity, The Only Way is Essex star Mark caused quite a storm with his performance in the 2016 match. He scored a brilliant free kick goal, which you can see in the video below, and put in a man of the match performance, so he’s set himself a pretty high standard to live up to this time round!
Paddy McGuinness
Let the television presenter see the charity football match! Take Me Out host Paddy is another veteran of this fixture, appearing in every Soccer Aid since 2010. He’s appeared mainly as a substitute, and plays as a right back.
Damian Lewis
The Homeland and Billions actor played in the very first Soccer Aid back in 2006, and has gone on to make several subsequent appearances in the match, mainly as a central midfielder.
Legends
David Seaman
There’s yet to be a Soccer Aid match in which the former Arsenal keeper hasn’t started in goal, and that looks set to continue this year. Seaman was involved in a classic Soccer Aid moment last time round – when Ronaldinho attempted to recreate his famous free kick goal from the 2002 World Cup. Although Ronaldinho’s attempt prompted a smile from Seaman, the keeper wasn’t to be beaten this time.
Wes Brown
The former Manchester United and Sunderland centre back hasn’t even retired from the professional game yet – he is currently playing in India with the Kerala Blasters – so he could be a useful presence in the England back four.
Phil Neville
Neville will be making his second Soccer Aid appearance – the versatile former Manchester United and Everton player played in central midfield last time out.
Jamie Redknapp
The former Liverpool and England central midfielder is one of a handful of players to have scored in two separate Soccer Aid matches, netting in both 2010 and 2014. But perhaps he’s a bit of an unlucky charm – the two games he’s scored in are also the only two games the England side has lost!
Danny Murphy
Murphy has enjoyed a successful move into TV punditry since the end of his playing days. The former Liverpool and Fulham central midfielder is returning for his second taste of Soccer Aid action.
Robbie Fowler
Fowler started up front in 2016, and now he’s one of two Liverpool legends who look to be leading the line this time round. He’ll likely be hungry for his first Soccer Aid goal, having failed to net last time.
Michael Owen
2001 Ballon d’Or winner Owen is set to make his Soccer Aid debut. One of the greatest goalscorers of his generation, Owen will no doubt be a formidable opponent for The Rest Of The World’s defence.
Rest Of World
Celebrities
Usain Bolt (captain)
The record breaking Jamaican sprinter has made no secret of his passion for football – repeating on numerous occasions his desire to play for Manchester United, and even training with Borussia Dortmund. Now he’s finally getting his chance to play at Old Trafford in his first Soccer Aid appearance- and there can’t be many defenders who’d be able to match him pace for pace in a footrace!
Gordon Ramsay
Another Soccer Aid veteran, Ramsay will be looking to make up for last time – he had to withdraw with an injury in 2016. The Scottish chef, who played in Rangers’ youth teams as a teenager – might not be as vocal on the pitch as he is in the kitchen, but he’s still a handy player to have on the team.
Brendan Cole
The New Zealand-born dancer was in the headlines earlier this when his Strictly Come Dancing contract wasn’t renewed – meaning he’ll leave the show after 15 seasons. But his first Soccer Aid appearance should given Brendan another chance to show off his fancy footwork – will he be as successful on the football pitch as he is on the dancefloor?
Kevin Pietersen
Given his status as a legend of English cricket it might seem strange to see KP lining up AGAINST England – but he’s choosing to represent his home nation South Africa here. It will be Pietersen’s first Soccer Aid experience.
Dan Carter
There’s no shortage of elite level sportsmen turning out this year and Dan Carter is amongst the best of them. The New Zealand rugby star has scored more points than any other player in the history of test match rugby – but can he add a goal at Old Trafford to his CV?
Profesionals
Eric Cantona
The Manchester United legend is making a triumphant return to Old Trafford. “There is no place like home,” the 51-year-old said. “Knowing I am coming back to Old Trafford is a special feeling.”
Edwin van der Sar
One of four former Dutch internationals confirmed for The Rest Of The World team, Van der Sar will be returning to the stadium where he enjoyed the brilliant last six years of his career. He’s previously started in goal in both the 2012 and 2014 iterations of Soccer Aid.
Jaap Stam
Another former Dutchman and another former Manchester United player, Stam will be making his fifth Soccer Aid appearance. His best display so far was in 2014 – when he went home with the Man of the Match award.
Clarence Seedorf
Seedorf holds two very impressive records. One, he is the only player to have won the Champions League with 3 different clubs (Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan) and two, he is the only player to have scored a hattrick in a Soccer Aid match (in 2014). Can the midfielder make history again?
Yaya Touré
Toure hasn’t played quite as often this season as he’s used to – but he’s still operating at a relatively high level compared to most of his Soccer Aid teammates. The four-time African player of the year should be a useful presence in midfield.
Robert Pirès
It’s 20 years since Robert Pires won the World Cup with France, and now the former Arsenal winger is set to make his Soccer Aid debut.
Patrick Kluivert
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Another first time Soccer Aid player, Patrick Kluivert enjoyed a fruitful professional career with the likes of Ajax and Barcelona, as well as winning 79 caps for the Netherlands.
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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?
Unicef Robbie is the captain of the England team
Who's in the Soccer Aid 2018 line-up?
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.
Unicef Usain Bolt has signed up as captain of the World XI Team
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 Fulham and 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.
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 and 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.
Getty - Contributor Gordon Ramsay has confirmed he will join this year's line-up after his injury in 2012
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, 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.
Who else is playing for the World XI?
Joining Usain Bolt's team will be Westlife's Nicky Byrne, actor Ioan Gruffudd, and football legends Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pires, Jaap Stam, Edwin Van Der Sar and Patrick Kluivert.
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.
What does the money raised from Soccer Aid go towards?
All public donations to Soccer Aid will go towards Unicef's work protecting children in the UK and globally.
An incredible £24million has already been raised through the event over the last 10 years.
Sales of the limited edition World XI shirt will add to this year's donations. £37.75 of the sale price will go to Socceraid Productions, which in turn donates its profits to the United Kingdom Committee for Unicef.
The government announced on April 6, 2018, that it will match every donation made to Soccer Aid for Unicef – doubling the total sum raised.
The money will go towards ending preventable disease in children, saving the lives of newborn babies and helping to end child hunger around the world
So far it has provided life-saving food, vaccines, clean water and protection from violence to millions of children around the world.
