Marvel meets Manchester as Loki and The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston becomes the latest star to be confirmed for the Soccer Aid 2023 line-up. England will take on Soccer Aid World XI FC on Sunday June 11 and Tom will make his Soccer Aid debut for for UNICEF, playing on the Soccer Aid 2023 England team.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe actor said: “I couldn't believe it when I was asked to play for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. It's such an honour and I hope not to let anyone down.”
Tom said about taking to the pitch at Old Trafford: "On the big screen, if I get things wrong, I can always have another go... there will be no second takes at Old Trafford! It will be an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
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And the 42-year-old Golden Globe and Olivier-winning actor is excited to be playing alongside ex England Lioness Jill Scott. The I'm a Celebrity ...Get Me Out Of Here! winner will captain the England team. “I'm really looking forward to playing with Jill Scott - best of the best!” he praised.
He said about gearing up for the big game: "The best piece of advice I've had is to make every pass count and don't give the ball away unnecessarily. No pressure!"
Watch the MEN's exclusive video with Tom here:
Joining the line-up is all the more special for Tom who is an ambassador for UNICEF UK. He said: “I'm so honoured to be playing. I’ve been an Ambassador for UNICEF UK for just over 10 years now.
"I've always been aware of Soccer Aid. It’s an extraordinary event which has so much joy in it, and it's all for children. I'm so delighted that I can be part of it this year.”
He added: "I've been privileged to see the work that UNICEF does in Guinea and South Sudan. They are providing for children in ways that are essential and life-saving. It is the most extraordinary work.”
The coming weeks will see a host of other star names announced – with neither team’s line- up yet complete. Also on the England line-up so far are Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure and David Seaman who form the England management team, Jill Scott as captain, David James as professional goalkeeper, Paddy McGuinness as celebrity goalkeeper, Danny Dyer, Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry, Asa Butterfield and Liam Payne.
On the World XI FC line-up so far are Maurico Pochettino, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane who form the World XI management team, Usain Bolt as captain, Ben Foster as professional goalkeeper, Gabriel Batistuta, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck, Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, Leon Edwards and Tommy Fury.
Since 2006, when Robbie Williams co-founded the concept, Soccer Aid has raised over £75 million for children all over the world. Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 takes place on Sunday June 11 at Manchester United's Old Trafford. A family of four can attend the game for just £60. To book visit socceraid.org.uk/tickets.
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