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    Soccer Aid 2024: CONFIRMED line-ups, date, TV channel, free stream with Hazard and Lampard among those back at Chelsea

    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.Eden Hazard has signed up for Soccer Aid – which will be played on June 9England 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.READ MORE ON SOCCER AIDWho 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.Most read in FootballWhen 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.”Frank Lampard will be back in the Chelsea dugout – this time as manager of England at Soccer Aid on June 9Chelsea 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

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    Soccer Aid 2024 to be moved AWAY from Old Trafford with Man Utd’s Premier League rivals set to host

    SOCCER AID 2024 is set to be moved away from Old Trafford with Chelsea likely to host the event, according to reports.The charity match has been held at Manchester United’s home on eight previous occasions.
    Soccer Aid has taken place at Old Trafford eight timesCredit: Reuters
    The event could return to Stamford Bridge this summer for the first time since 2019Credit: Getty
    But there are plans to renovate Old Trafford and the initial steps could take place at the end of the season.
    Soccer Aid is set to take place on June 9 this year, but United want to use the summer months to address what work needs to take place at the stadium.
    Addressing the issue of the leaky roof in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will likely be a priority, while there could also be renovation work on the pitch, according to the Daily Mail.
    New investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to improve the club’s infrastructure which could involve refurbishing the Theatre of Dreams.

    But any work on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand would likely need a big project including the use of cranes, including the closure of the railway track behind the stand.
    That means United will likely be unable to host Soccer Aid this year with Stamford Bridge mooted as an alternative.
    Chelsea held the 2019 edition of Soccer Aid while it has also taken place at London Stadium, Wembley and the Etihad.
    If Ratcliffe and Ineos decide against renovating Old Trafford they could build a £2billion “Wembley of the North”.
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    The railway line behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand would have to close for renovation works – but United could even build a whole new stadium
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    Ratcliffe does not want to relocate United, and therefore the Ineos chief has reportedly identified the land around Old Trafford as the site for the fresh construction.
    That would see the stadium placed between the railway lines that run past the current ground and the Bridgewater Canal.
    And Ratcliffe hopes to build an arena that can rival the 90,000-seater national football stadium at Wembley.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe could build a new stadium on the same site as Old Trafford
    Man Utd fans say Usain Bolt is ‘better than Weghorst’ as legend scores at Old Trafford and uses Rashford’s celebration More

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    Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith and when did she retire from football?

    KELLY SMITH was England’s Women’s all-time leading scorer when she retired from her international duties.The football legend is best known for her multiple stints at Arsenal but has also played in America.
    Kelly Smith is a former football player who played for Arsenal and England
    Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith?
    Kelly Smith is a footballer who played for Arsenal and England’s national team.
    She was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, on October 29, 1978.
    Smith began her professional career with Wembley Ladies in 1996 and moved to Arsenal two years later.
    In 1999 she left the Gunners for America, where she played for the New Jersey Lady Stallions, Philadelphia Charge and New Jersey Wildcats over an eight year period.
    After returning to Arsenal in 2005, Smith netted an incredible 73 goals in 66 games before she headed back to the States to play for the Boston Breakers.
    Kelly then returned to Arsenal for five more years from 2012 until 2017.
    Over her three spells at Arsenal, Smith won a total of 20 trophies and scored 30 goals in 34 games across all four competitions during their quadruple-winning 2006–07 season.
    The striker was shortlisted for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award four times and won the FA Player of the Year award twice.
    Her honours include four Premier League titles, a UEFA Women’s Cup and five FA Cups.
    In 2008, Smith was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s football.
    Kelly married her partner DeAnna Dobosz on Hampstead Heath in June 2016.
    She gave birth to a son named Rocco Jude in May 2017 and in 2019 the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter.
    Kelly joined the Arsenal Women’s first-team coaching setup in April 2023.
    She has also worked as a presenter for Sky Sports.
    How long did Kelly Smith play for England?
    Kelly played for England for 20 years.
    She made her debut for the team in November 1995, just three days after she turned 17.
    During her two-decade career she earned 117 caps.
    Kelly also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.
    When did Kelly Smith retire from football?
    Kelly retired from international duty in 2015 after a twenty-year career.
    She continued to play for Arsenal, where she had also taken up a part-time coaching role, and retired fully in 2017.
    When announcing her retirement in 2015, Kelly said: “I’ve been deliberating about this decision for months, it was doing my head in and I’ve felt in no-man’s land.
    “I’ve just felt so tired as it’s been an emotional roller coaster.”
    She added: “It’s sad my international career has come to an end but the time is right.
    “I’m at peace with my decision.” More

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    Alex Scott relaxes in tiny bikini on speedboat with England stars after winning over fans with ‘brave’ Soccer Aid dress

    ALEX SCOTT relaxed in a tiny bikini while on a speedboat after winning over fans with her Soccer Aid dress. The pundit and presenter soaked up the sun while on holiday in Ibiza.
    Alex Scott dazzled in a bikiniCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    The ex-Arsenal star stunned while on holiday in IbizaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Alex Scott uploaded snaps to her social mediaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Leah Williamson was also presentCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Scott gave fans a treat on Instagram, laying back in black swimwear as she showed off her incredible figure.
    In a previous post, she uploaded a snap of England captain Leah Williamson, who also unwound with Keira Walsh before the Woman’s World Cup that kicks-off later this summer.
    This is not the first time that Scott has dazzled in recent days after stunning viewers with her “brave” dress while hosting Soccer Aid.
    The ex-Arsenal defender wore a figure-hugging red outfit.
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    It left viewers stunned, one said: “She is just perfection.”
    Pal Williamson also hailed her, posting a snap of Scott on Twitter alongside clapping emojis.
    And while hosting the charity match, she found time to poke fun at new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was taking charge of World XI.
    Scott is no stranger to leaving fans in awe, having been dubbed “gorgeous” in a recent GQ shoot.
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    The 38-year-old wore green attire and posed up a tree.
    One of her 1.8million followers reacted to the images saying: “You belong on a throne.”
    Alex Scott looked incredible during Soccer AidCredit: Getty
    Some viewers called her dress ‘brave’Credit: PA More

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    Man Utd icon Paul Scholes hobbles on crutches after revealing knee’s ‘f***ed’ from Soccer Aid clash with old Reds pal

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has revealed his knee is “f***ed” following his Soccer Aid appearance.The 48-year-old was introduced as a substitute midway through the match following Usain Bolt’s opening goal.
    Scholes was forced off with a knee injury during Soccer AidCredit: Reuters
    The United legend was filmed leaving his house on crutchesCredit: Instagram / @alicia.scholesx
    Scholes was injured after a clash with old pal Nani
    He managed to turn the game on it’s head in the 53rd minute with a classic strike into the bottom-right corner from outside the box to put England 2-1 up.
    But just four minutes later, he was forced off with a knee issue after a collision with former United pal Nani.
    After the match, Scholes took to Instagram to share how delighted he was about returning to Old Trafford – despite his injury.
    He wrote: “Knee’s f***** but couldn’t give two s****… nothing will ever give me a better feeling than playing in front of a full house at OT and scoring a goal.
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    “Great couple of days with some very funny people.”
    Scholes’ daughter, Alicia, also took to Instagram to share a video of her dad walking out of the house on crutches.
    World XI went on to win the match 4-2 thanks to three late goals from former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane and Love Island star Kem Cetinay.
    Man Utd icons Patrice Evra and Nani were also part of the match-winning World XI squad, while Gary Neville started for England.
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    Prior to the match, Scholes was furious about the blue and white flags that had been put out in the Old Trafford stands, claiming someone was “taking the p***”.
    He believed that they were too similar to the colours of United’s rivals, Manchester City, who had won the Treble the previous night.
    However, the flags were merely there to represent the colours of Unicef, the charity behind Soccer Aid. More

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    Tommy Fury branded ‘worst player to ever kick a ball’ as fans lay into Soccer Aid performance & even rival KSI piles in

    TOMMY FURY has been savaged on social media for his performance at Soccer Aid 2023… even though he is not a footballer.Tommy exchanged his boxing gloves for a pair of football boots at Old Trafford as he joined the World XI on Sunday for a good cause.
    Tommy Fury played for World XI against England during Soccer Aid 2023Credit: Getty
    The British boxer mixed it up with a number of legendary athletes, such as Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, Hernan Crespo as well as Usain Bolt.
    They took on England, consisting of a number of Three Lions greats like Paul Scholes, Jermain Defoe and Gary Neville, as well as Team GB icon Sir Mo Farah.
    Tommy started on the bench and was fielded by new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino after 21 minutes when he replaced Maisie Adam amid a loud ovation from the crowd.
    However, the brother of Tyson Fury failed to set the pitch alight the same way he has done in the ring against opponents like Jake Paul.
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    That led to a swipe by his new rival KSI, who branded him “terrible” on social media
    The YouTuber, who is chasing a multi-million-pound clash with the former Love Island star, tweeted: “Tommy Fury should stick to boxing lmao, he’s terrible at football.”

    Fans joined in on Twitter, and some even branded him – rather unfairly – as the “worst” athlete to kick a ball.
    One fan posted: “Tommy Fury is one of the worst footballers I’ve ever seen!”
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    Another commented: “Tommy Fury the worst player to ever kick a ball.”
    A third joked: “Chelsea have just bid £90m for Tommy Fury.”
    This fan said: “Tommy Fury makes Chunkz look like Ronaldo.”
    And that one tweeted: “Tommy Fury can not kick a football properly.”
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    Fury was mocked for his performance on social media, even though he is a boxerCredit: Getty
    Even though some fans mocked his skills, Tommy did actually show a moment of brilliance as he NUTMEGGED Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere with his first touch.
    More importantly, the boxer helped Soccer Aid raise a whopping £14,619,005 for UNICEF and his team also won 4-2.
    England found themselves a goal down courtesy of Bolt, but Asa Butterfield put the hosts level before Manchester United legend Scholes completed the turnaround.
    However, Tottenham great Robbie Keane’s two sublime finishes fired World XI back in front before Kem Cetinay sealed the win. More

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    How much money did Soccer Aid 2023 raise for UNICEF?

    SOCCER AID 2023 has sadly come to an end but World XI will be delighted after beating England at Old Trafford.Tottenham icon Robbie Keane was the star of the show as his double inspired the visitors to a hard-fought win.
    Robbie Keane inspired World XI to a huge win at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
    And it meant that World XI have now beaten England FIVE times in a row.
    However, the scoreline wasn’t the most important thing tonight as Soccer Aid is all about raising money for UNICEF.
    And SunSport has the final figures of how much was donated this year.
    How much money did Soccer Aid 2023 raise for UNICEF?
    At full-time, it was announced that Soccer Aid 2023 raised a staggering £14,619,005.
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    The money raised from the huge annual charity match could help UNICEF fight malnutrition, keep children safe in times of crisis, and get them back to school.
    UNICEF has also stated that funds raised could also help provide vaccines against preventable diseases such as polio so all children can grow up happy and able to play.
    Who was involved in Soccer Aid 2023?
    There was a fantastic mixture of celebrities and professional footballers in both squads.
    England management: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman.
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    England squad: Jill Scott (Captain), David James (GK), Paddy McGuinness (GK) 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, Danny Dyer, Asa Butterfield, Tom Huddlestone and Liam Payne.
    World XI management: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston, Melanie C and Robbie Keane.
    World XI squad: Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (GK), Patrice Evra, Nani, Kem Cetinay, Roberto Carlos, Francessco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, Leon Edwards, Sam Claflin, Hernan Crespo, Niko, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury. More

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    Alex Scott rinses Mauricio Pochettino with brutal joke live on ITV as new Chelsea boss manages World XI at Soccer Aid

    ALEX SCOTT took a cheeky swipe at Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino while presenting Soccer Aid.Scott fronted ITV’s coverage of the event alongside Dermot O’Leary, with former Lionness captain Steph Houghton and rapper Big Zuu providing punditry.
    Alex Scott could not resist a cheeky jibe at Chelsea and Mauricio PochettinoCredit: PA
    Scott joked Pochettino may not last long at the BluesCredit: Getty
    And, with Pochettino managing the Rest of the World XI, Scott was presented with the perfect opportunity to make a joke at his expense.
    She quipped: “World XI have gone and got themselves a new manager this year. Yes, new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    “Even though Dermot, I think he might last longer in this job than the other one. I’m just saying.”
    Scott, 38, was referring to Chelsea’s knack for sacking managers – something which has persisted even with a change in ownership last year.
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    Poch, 51, is set to become the fourth manager to work under Todd Boehly following the end of interim boss Frank Lampard’s spell in charge.
    The American also sacked Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season so there is pressure on Pochettino to perform even before his first game.
    And at Old Trafford on Sunday he achieved something that was a rare feat for a Chelsea boss this past season – a victory.
    Sprint legend Usain Bolt opened the scoring for the World XI in the first half before actor Asa Butterfield and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes fired England ahead.
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    But Scholes was forced off injured after a tackle from old United team-mate Nani.
    And it was all downhill for England after Scholes’ exit as former Tottenham and Liverpool star Robbie Keane netted twice for the World XI in the second half.
    And Love Island star Kem Cetinay scored a record-breaking fifth Soccer Aid goal to seal it 4-2.

    The charity football bonanza had raised £14,619,005 for Unicef by full-time.
    Pochettino may get another boost in the coming days with Chelsea closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
    Pochettino is a big admirer of the shot-stopper who could cost around £55million.
    There have been talks about a possible swap deal with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
    The Belgian spent the season on loan at the Serie A giants, scoring 14 goals in 37 games.
    Pochettino achieved More