The line-ups for Soccer Aid 2022 have been unveiled with Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp and Gary Neville among the icons taking part in the charity fixture on 12 June.
Legendary former Arsenal manager Wenger will manage World XI - who won the 2021 game 3-0 - while Redknapp will take charge of England to raise money for UNICEF. World XI's victory last year leaves the two teams level on five triumphs apiece, so bragging rights are on the line at the London Stadium - the home of West Ham - this summer.
Singer Liam Payne will captain an England side containing Manchester United hero Neville, Liverpool favourite Jamie Carragher and former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole, with David Seaman serving as goalkeeping coach. Others who will represent the 'hosts' include Lucien Laviscount, Tom Grennan, Chunkz, Fara Williams and Alex Brooker.
Comedian Brooker wears a prosthetic leg and he is set to become the first physically disabled participant in Soccer Aid. Meanwhile, World XI will be skippered by Olympics legend Usain Bolt once again. The Jamaican will have ex-United defender Patrice Evra and Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer Robbie Keane at his disposal, as well as Martin Compston, Mo Gilligan and Chelcee Grimes.
More participants are set to be announced and the money generated from the popular friendly fixture - which has raised over £60million since 2006 - will go towards helping UNICEF provide vaccines, tackle malnutrition and protect children in times of crisis, including the war in Ukraine.
Robbie Williams helped establish Soccer Aid in 2006 and the superstar singer will perform his famous hit 'Angels' at half-time while Alex Scott, Dermot O'Leary and Maya Jama will provide coverage of the fixture. Former Arsenal and England defender Scott said: "How special is it going to be to see Usain back at the London Stadium ten years on from his gold medal wins in 2012?
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"As everyone knows, I'm Arsenal through-and-through, so it's going to be incredible to see the boss – Mr Wenger – back in the dugout again!" England skipper Payne added: "It doesn't get much better than captaining England in Soccer Aid while fundraising for UNICEF. I can't believe I get to run out onto the pitch with some of my heroes all while raising money for such a great cause. To be given the captain's armband is a real honour and I'm determined to lead us to victory!"
England players and staff announced so far: Harry Redknapp (Manager), Liam Payne (Captain), Lucien Laviscount, Tom Grennan, Chunkz, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Fara Williams, Joe Cole, Alex Brooker and David Seaman (Goalkeeper Coach).
Soccer Aid World XI players and staff announced so far: Arsene Wenger (Manager), Usain Bolt (Captain) Martin Compston, Mo Gilligan, Chelcee Grimes, Patrice Evra and Robbie Keane.
