Former Lioness and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here 2022 winner Jill Scott will return to the pitch this summer as she's set to make her Soccer Aid debut in a few months' time.
Upwards of 74,000 supporters are anticipated at Old Trafford on June 11, the first time the Soccer Aid for UNICEF will take place in front of fans at the Manchester stadium since 2018. Scott, who won the Euros with England only last summer, will be the first female player to skipper England in the world’s biggest charity football game.
The Three Lions haven't won since 2018 and in an effort to win back the trophy, they've today unveiled one of their strongest-ever line-ups. There's six players debuting alongside Scott, including DJ Joel Corr, and Manchester-based rapper and actor Bugzy Malone. Fellow former England international Karen Carney has also been named in the line-up.
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Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes will co-manage the team alongside Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure. The live show on ITV1, STV and ITVX will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined once again by Alex Scott, UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter.
Paddy McGuinness returns to the game – and will play in goal for the first-time ever as England’s designated celebrity goalkeeper - while the England ranks are boosted further by Chelsea’s Champions League winning defender Gary Cahill and Arsenal’s two-time FA Cup winning midfielder, Jack Wilshere.
Recently retired Premier League star striker Jermain Defoe is also back and will provide England with firepower.
Scott, who was crowned queen of the jungle after announcing her retirement from football last summer, said: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the holy trinity.
"I’ve won two of them, so just need Soccer Aid now to complete ‘The Treble’! I think of all three, this might be the one I’m most nervous about, though – just look at the names involved. Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on.”
Wilshere also said: “I am really looking forward to lacing up my boots again – and playing with some of my old friends. I can’t tell you how good these legends are and I’m told a few of the celebrities are quite handy too! As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me – and I would urge people to buy tickets and show their support too.”
The England squad in full is as follows: Emma Hayes (Co-Manager), Vicky McClure (Co-Manager); Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), Jermain Defoe, Joel Corry, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere, Bugzy Malone, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Eni Aluko and Chunkz.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF is working hard to give children around the world the care-free, play-filled childhoods they deserve. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF fight malnutrition, keep children safe in times of crisis, and get them back to school. It could also help provide vaccines against preventable diseases such as polio, so all children can grow up happy, healthy and able to play.
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