Harry Redknapp’s bid to impose discipline on his celebrity squad ahead of tomorrow's Soccer Aid match went badly wrong.
The England coach warned that any players found in the hotel bar after 7pm would miss the UNICEF charity clash with the World XI, raising money for children in poverty around the world.
But today Harry, 76, admitted his hardline approach had failed. He said: “I’m very strict. I locked them up in their rooms – but they all escaped.”
And it emerged that Premier League legend Robbie Keane led the charge to the bar at Champneys spa resort in Hertfordshire – so he could croon the night away on the karaoke machine.
World XI star and Love Island winner Kem Cetinay said: “Robbie likes to sing. He did about 100 songs. You can’t get the mic off him.”
Meanwhile, there were plenty of hangovers during the training sessions.
Danny Dyer, 45, confessed to suffering after celebrating West Ham's mid-week Europa Conference League victory.
Irish singer Tom Grennan was recovering from his 28th birthday and DJ Joel Corry, 33, had flown in from an Ibiza pool party.
But Tom insisted: “We’ve got our head in the game – we were in bed by 10pm.”
Love Island star Tommy Fury, 24, said he’d had lots of early nights and 4am gym sessions, while Paddy McGuinness, 49, said hiking and pilates had helped him get fit.
But he added: “I’m thinking I feel good, then I see Tommy Fury.”
Meanwhile, Harry admitted he fears he will lose the England job next year if the team – led by captain Jill Scott – don’t win.
He said: “I’ve had three years with the world team and we won. Now England need a win. If we don’t do it, I’ll get my cards.”
Harry’s co-manager is Stormzy, with Line of Duty’s Vicky McClure, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and David Seaman as coaches.
Usain Bolt will captain the World XI team, which includes comic Lee Mack and Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett.
Mel C will co-manage with Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, Robbie Keane and new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Soccer Aid was founded by singer Robbie Williams in 2006. It has so far raised more than £75million to help children all over the world.
