The big match
Harry Redknapp picks a squad of overweight ex-England stars to take on Germany one last time... and improve their health in the process
IN the weightiest challenge of his career, former football manager Harry Redknapp has agreed to get a team of unfit England football legends back together and back in shape.
With a sharp wit and cracking sense of humour, King of the Jungle Harry is thoroughly entertaining here as he brings the 90s footballing stars back on to the pitch – some of them haven’t been on one for years.
They will be taking on their old rivals Germany in one last grudge match, but they don’t know that yet. They think they are taking part in a legends knockabout.
John Barnes is first to get the phone call, agreeing to captain the team – until he turns up with a knee injury and has to be Harry’s assistant instead.
On the pitch and squeezing themselves into football shirts are icons David Seaman, Robbie Fowler, Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Chris Waddle, Rob Lee, Ray Parlour, Lee Sharpe, Mark Chamberlain, Mark Wright, and Razor Ruddock.
Many of them have got a beer belly in tow and some admit they enjoy bad food and having a pint – or six. “England’s finest? They’re more like the full English,” says Harry.
There’s plenty of nostalgia here, with clips of the footballers in their prime, as well as memories shared.
The changing room banter makes for hilarious viewing, as well as an eye-opening first match against schoolboys from Bridgeway Rovers.
But there’s a serious, ahem, underbelly as Harry worries for the lads’ health.