SOCCER AID is back TONIGHT with the huge football charity match returning to Chelsea’s 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 could also be some potential awkwardness on the World XI bench – Mauricio Pochettino is charge for the second consecutive year just weeks after he left Chelsea.
Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.
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:
England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Take That singer Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Lionesses star Jill Scott (Captain), TV host Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), footie ace David James (Professional Goalkeeper), former Arsenal keeper David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), footballers Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, and Joe Cole, TV pundit and ex-footballer Karen Carney, footballer Gary Cahill, singerTom Grennan, Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett, actress Erin Doherty, Olympic champ Sir Mo Farah, comedian Alex Brooker, former cricketer Stuart Broad, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, Jungle King Sam Thompson, footie star Ellen White, footballer Theo Walcott, actor Danny Dyer, YouTuber Miniminter, sports promoter Eddie Hearn, former hockey star Sam Quek, and Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston.
World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Olympic star Usain Bolt (Captain), former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, footballer Roberto Carlos, Line Of Duty actor Martin Compston, comedian Maisie Adam, One Show host Roman Kemp, 1% Club presenter Lee Mack, boxer Tommy Fury, Gladiator Diamond, footballers Michael Essien, and Patrice Evra, former Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, funnyman Jason Manford, footie ace John Obi Mikel, footballer Kaylyn Kyle, YouTuber Theo Baker, boxer Tony Bellew, footballer Alessandro Del Piero, actor Emmett J Scanlan, Spain footballer Olga Garcia, and France footballer Kheira Hamraoui.
Sidemen star Billy Wingrove is also taking part as soccer and skills coach for both sides.
When is Soccer Aid 2024?
Soccer Aid takes place TONIGHT – Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Kick-off will be at 7.30pm BST.
The match, which was held at Old Trafford in 2024, has moved back to Chelsea‘s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been held in SW6 since 2019.
General admission tickets have all sold out.
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 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.
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.
The 2023 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.”
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.”
Soccer Aid stats
SOCCER AID has been played since 2006.
It was founded by Robbie Williams and his pal Jonathan Wilkes.
It started out as a biennial event but since 2018 it has been played every year.
The match is between England and a World XI.
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.
“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.”