STARS ARE ON BALL TO AID CHARITY
IT’S a waiting game for football fans as the World Cup slowly comes into view following the end of the Premier League and domestic football. There have been some international friendlies, but Soccer Aid 2018 now takes centre stage with a glut of celebrities and former stars pitting their wits against each other in the name of charity tonight.
Robbie Williams and Usain Bolt are the team captains as England lock horns with a Rest of the World XI in the match at Old Trafford with all proceeds going to UNICEF UK.
Soccer Aid for Unicef kicks off at 8pm at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. You can watch it on ITV from 6.30pm.
A number of celebrities and former football legends are competing in this year’s match.
Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce are the two managers. ENGLAND
Robbie Williams – The former Take That star captains the England team.
Mo Farah – Fourtime Olympic gold medallist will add stamina to the England midfield.
Olly Murs – The sing- er playing Soccer Aid for a fifth time. Paddy McGuinness – The Take Me Out host is a regular. Joe Wicks – Famous for his “body coach” fitness persona. Michael Owen – One of a few former international stars in the lineups. Damian Lewis – Star of Homeland and Billions. B e n Shephard – The TV presenter is another regular. Mark Wright – Man Of The Match in 2016 and Only Way Is Essex star. Myles Stephenson – X-Factor winner with group Rak-Su. Lee Mack – Comedian and Blackburn fan. Wes Brown – Playing at his for- mer home ground in Old Trafford.
Freddie Flintoff – Cricket legend trying his hand at another sport.
Danny Murphy – Might not be popular in Manchester due to his Liverpool past.
Blake Harrison Inbetweeners.
Jack O’Connell – and Unbroken.
Darren Bent – Another former England striker. Darius Vassell – And again. Phil Neville – Ex-Manchester United ace and now England Women’s boss.
David Seaman – Thank goodness Ronaldinho isn’t playing...
Jamie Redknapp – Off the Sky Sports sofa and onto the pitch.
David Harewood – On the same side as his Homeland nemesis Damian Lewis.
John Bishop – Filling the Scouse comedian slot. – Star Star of The of Skins WORLD XI
Usain Bolt – The sprinting God turned wannabe footballer skippers the visitors.
Gordon Ramsay – Swearing Scottish culinary genius.
Clarence Seedorf – Dutch midfield maestro formerly of AC Milan, Real Madrid and others.
Robert Pires – Another graceful midfielder, ex-Arsenal.
Yaya Toure – Ditto. Bolt has assembled a decent team here...
Brendan Cole – Strictly Come Dancing star.
Edwin van der sar – At home between the posts at Old Trafford.
Patrick Kluivert – A first Soccer Aid appearance for the ex-Holland striker.
Kevin Pietersen – England cricketer representing his native South Africa in donning the World colours.
Dan Carter – The rugby star converts to the spherical ball.
Eric Cantona – King Eric is back.
Ashley Fongho – Starred in X-Factor alongside Stephenson.
Ioan Gruffudd – The Welsh actor makes an appearance.
Jaap Stam – Another ex-United star on his home turf.
Martin Compston – The Scottish Line of Duty actor.
Hayden Christensen – Star Wars actor (Darth Vader as a lad).
Juan Sebastian Veron – Argentine midfield legend.
Robbie Keane – A first Soccer Aid appearance.
Nicky Byrne – Westlife star, backup goalkeeper.