SOCCER AID is BACK with the massive charity match returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019.
That match – won by the World XI 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw – sparked a five-game winning run for the visiting stars.
England will be desperate to win the charity game for the first time since 2018 and even have a new manager in the dugout to help them.
Frank Lampard is back for a third spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, only this time he has swapped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher for Robbie Williams and Bobby Brazier.
There will also be a familiar face on the World XI bench, with current Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino taking charge for the second consecutive year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.
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Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?
Plenty of football legends and celebrities have already confirmed they will be playing in the charity match.
Although the squads may be subject to change, due to injury for example, this is how they are shaping up at the moment – with more players set to be announced in the near future.
England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach) Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Stuart Broad, Bobby Brazier and Sam Thompson.
World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Usain Bolt (Captain), Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Diamond.
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When is Soccer Aid 2024?
Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2024, with kick-off TBC.
The match, which was held at the London Stadium last year, has moved across London to Chelsea’s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been held in SW6 since 2019.
Although all ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, it has been confirmed that a family ticket (two adults, two children) can be purchased for £60.
England will also wear a special kit that replicates the Three Lions’ outfit from Euro 96.
Where can I watch Soccer Aid 2024?
Soccer Aid will once again be shown for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).
It can also be streamed for FREE online with ITVX.
Unicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-comms.
There will also be a full half-time show which will be announced soon.
How much has Soccer Aid raised for Unicef?
The charity football match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90million in total for global children’s charity Unicef.
Last year’s tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record-breaking £14.6m.
What’s been said?
England manager Frank Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion.
I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry [Redknapp] will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together.
“So, please buy your tickets for June 9 and lend us your support.”
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on June 9!
“I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing.
“We won so many trophies together there. Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.
“As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world.”
I’m a Celeb winner Sam Thompson said: “From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans.
“As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening.
“I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true.
“I live around the corner from Stamford Bridge and have been to so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t quite believe I’m about to play with some of them.
“I mean Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s insane.
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“As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character but this has put me on a new level.
“This is a brilliant family day out which I am honoured to be part of.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk