June 9th 2024.
Mauricio Pochettino, the renowned manager, is leading the World XI team at Stamford Bridge today. It's time for the highly anticipated Soccer Aid event, back for 2024. Established in 2006 by Robbie Williams, this popular annual charity event has raised over £90 million for UNICEF UK. It's a unique mix of celebrities and former professional football players, divided into two teams representing England and the World XI.
Soccer Aid, the only mixed-sex match officially sanctioned by the Football Association, is a top-rated event that attracts millions of viewers across the country. Tonight, the game kicks off at 7:30 PM BST, and England, sporting a special kit inspired by their Euro 96 outfit, is seeking revenge against the World XI, who have won the last five Soccer Aid titles in a row.
For those wondering how to watch the match at home, don't worry, it will be shown live for free on ITV1 in England, Wales, and Scotland. ITV's coverage starts at 6 PM, 90 minutes before kick-off, and can also be streamed online via ITVX. Viewers in Scotland can tune into STV at the same time for the live coverage.
This year, the World XI team will be managed by Mauricio Pochettino, who ironically left his role as Chelsea head coach this summer. On the other hand, the England team is being co-managed by Three Lions legend Frank Lampard, his uncle Harry Redknapp, and Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams. The England squad includes notable names such as David James, Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Joe Cole, Gary Cahill, Theo Walcott, Ellen White, and Karen Carney. The team also features various celebrities like Paddy McGuinness, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, and many more.
The World XI team, captained by Olympic legend Usain Bolt, also boasts of star players like Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury, and Diamond from Gladiators. The team also includes former footballers such as Michael Essien, Patrice Evra, John Obi Mikel, Peter Cech, Kaylyn Kyle, Alessandro Del Piero, Olga Garcia, and Kheira Hamraoui, along with celebrities like Jason Manford, Theo Baker, Tony Bellew, and Emmett J Scanlan.
Last year, the World XI emerged victorious at Old Trafford, beating England for the seventh time in total. Kem Cetinay, the Love Island winner, made history by becoming the top scorer in the charity game's history with his goal in the 4-2 victory. Robbie Keane and Usain Bolt also scored for the World XI, while Asa Butterfield and Paul Scholes found the net for England.
Overall, Soccer Aid has taken place 12 times, with England winning the title five times and the World XI claiming it on seven occasions. This year, with both teams boasting of talented players, it's anyone's game. So, make sure to tune in and support this amazing charity event.
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