Who is playing in Soccer Aid 2021? Confirmed teams, managers, England and World XI line ups for football match

Soccer Aid 2021 will see the return of fans to the popular charity football match.

Having missed last year’s instalment due to Covid, supporters will once again witness England take on a World XI in aid of Unicef.

A host of former footballers, including Wayne Rooney and Jamie Redknapp, will feature alongside celebrities such as Olly Murs and Lee Mack.

Olympics legend Usain Bolt has become a popular figure for the World XI in recent times, with Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo also set to feature.

This year will be the 10th Soccer Aid held in the UK since it was formed in 2006 by pop star turned events organiser and footballer Robbie Williams.

Here’s all you need to know about Soccer Aid, who is playing in the 2021 event and how to donate to Unicef.

What is Soccer Aid?

Soccer Aid was created in 2006 by pop star Robbie Williams as a way to help raise money for children’s charity Unicef.

Celebrities and former players got together to play a charity football match to raise funds to give kids the best start in life.

More than 70,000 people were in the stands to watch the first Soccer Aid between England and the World XI at Old Trafford.

It was such a hit that the event returned two years later and continued to do so until 2018 when it became an annual event.

Soccer Aid harnesses the power of football to help make sure that children can grow up happy, healthy and able to play.

When is Soccer Aid 2021?

Soccer Aid 2021 will kick off at 7.30pm on Saturday 4 September.

The annual charity football match will be played at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

Historically, the event had been held on the red part of the city at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.

But in 2019 it switched to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge before returning to Old Trafford for a behind closed doors event in 2020.

The Covid pandemic ensured no fans were in attendance last year but organisers are set to welcome supporters back in 2021.

Who is playing in Soccer Aid 2021?

Fan favourites Olly Murs, Usain Bolt, Chunkz and Jamie Redknapp are all back to play, joined by a host of new faces including Tom Grennan, James Arthur and Fara Wiliams.

England legend Wayne Rooney will be stepping away from his 2020 management role and pulling on his boots to play for the Three Lions.

In a new signing for 2021, Alex Scott will be pitch-side reporter, alongside Soccer Aid’s long-term supporter, Dermot O’Leary as presenter and Maya Jama will once again be adding her thoughts as a pundit.

England team line up

Players: Olly Murs, Wayne Rooney, James Arthur, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Paddy McGuinness, Jamie Redknapp, Chunkz, Fara Williams, Mark Wright, Liv Cooke, Kelly Smith, David James, Aitch, Max Whitlock, Jamie Carragher, Joel Dommett, Sir Mo Farah, Lee Mack, Shaun Wright-Phillips, James Bay.

Management: Sven-Goran Eriksson, Robbie Williams, Micah Richards, David Seaman.

World XI team line up

Players: Usain Bolt, Tom Grennan, Roman Kemp, Kem Cetinay, Ore Oduba, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, Nigel De Jong, Martin Compston, Pablo Zabaleta, Chelcee Grimes, Shay Given, Rivaldo, Dermot Kennedy, Yungblud, Big Zuu.

Management: Harry Redknapp, Judy Murray, Robbie Keane.

How to donate to Unicef

For those wishing to make a donation to Unicef please visit the Soccer Aid for Unicef official website.