Liam Payne is going to need his finest running shoes as he is going to captain the England team at the upcoming Soccer Aid – facing off against a ‘world team’ captained by Olympic legend Usain Bolt.
The 28-year-old One Direction star says he is confident he can take his team to victory in the televised sporting event which is due to take place at the London Stadium in Stratford, East London, on Sunday 12th June.
Representing England will be Harry Redknapp as the manager, Liam as the team captain, and players including actor Lucien Laviscount, musician Tom Grennan, YouTube star Chunkz, footballer Gary Neville, commentator and Gogglebox star Jamie Carragher, footballer Fara Williams, actor Joe Cole, broadcaster Alex Brooker – and David Seaman joining the fun as the goalkeeper coach.
While the Soccer Aid World XI FC team will consist of Arsène Wenger as the manager, Usain Bolt as the team Captain, and players including Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, comedian Mo Gilligan, songwriter Chelcee Grimes, and footballers Patrice Evra and Robbie Keane.
Liam said: “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!”
Meanwhile, UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams said he too can’t wait to take to the pitch – where he will be performing one of his iconic songs to kick off the event.
The 48-year-old is also encouraging fans to buy tickets to the event – with proceeds going towards UNICEF.
He said: “I will sing Angels in front of 60,000 people at the London Stadium. I already know that it is going to be one of the most special nights of my career – and I want as many of you as possible to be part of it.
“Tickets are selling fast, so I would urge people to snap them up while they are still available. In so doing, people will be supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which has raised £60m since we started it 16-years-ago.”
Footballer turned TV presenter Alex Scott will also be at the event – hosting the show alongside Dermot O’Leary.
The 37-year-old said: “The line-up this year looks amazing!
“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?
“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! Of course, this is all for a really worthy cause – and one I know you’ll all support.”
The star studded line-up does, however, appear to have one glaring omission – as ITV public enemy number one Mark Wright appears to be absent from the line-up.
The network brutally made no mention of the reality star while highlighting the upcoming event.
The 35-year-old Towie reject was said to be taking part, but it seems things may have changed after he allegedly pulled out of ITV’s prime time reality show The Games at the last second – infuriating network bosses when he allegedly quit via text message.
A source claimed last month: “Mark’s name is mud at ITV at the moment. Bookers who are working on shows aren’t going to be approaching Mark to appear.
“The only show they are happy for him to be on is Soccer Aid as he is one person in a sea of faces and has been a part of the event for years.”
Mark has, however, denied he quit The Games via text and has claimed to fans that he has other ITV projects in the pipeline.
Tickets for the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets
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