Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott will captain England in SoccerAid for UNICEF when it returns to Old Trafford this year on Sunday June 11.
SoccerAid for UNICEF has raised over £75 million, for UNICEF since 2006.
Scott, a Euro 2022 winner and also winner of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, will become the first female skipper of the England team as they seek to win the world’s biggest charity match for the first time since 2018.
And she will lead out the England team at Old Trafford where more than 74,000 fans will roar on their favourite side in Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
A family of four (two adults and two children) can attend for £60 and tickets are on sale now at https://www.socceraid.org.uk and the game is expected to kick off at 7.30pm.
Jill Scott said: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the holy trinity! I’ve won two of them, so just need Soccer Aid now to complete ‘The Treble’!
“I think of all three, this might be the one I’m most nervous about, though – just look at the names involved!
“Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on!”
And there will be six debuts from the 25 names revealed today with more set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Scott will play alongside fellow debutants including former Lioness Karen Carney, Chelsea’s Champions League winning defender Gary Cahill and Arsenal’s two-time FA Cup winning midfielder, Jack Wilshere.
Recently retired Premier League star striker Jermain Defoe is also back and will provide England with firepower!
Jack Wilshere said: “I am really looking forward to lacing up my boots again – and playing with some of my old friends.
“I can’t tell you how good these legends are and I’m told a few of the celebrities are quite handy too!
“As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me – and I would urge people to buy tickets and show their support too.”
England’s ranks are boosted further by three more new additions chart-topping DJ Joel Corry, and Manchester-based rapper and actor Bugzy Malone.
Paddy McGuinness returns to the game – and will play in goal for the first-time ever as England’s designated celebrity goalkeeper.
The last Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at Old Trafford, with fans, was in 2018 – coincidentally, the last time England lifted the trophy!
Old Trafford also played host to the behind-closed-doors game in COVID-affected 2020.
The England squad includes: Emma Hayes (Co-Manager), Vicky McClure (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), Jermain Defoe, Joel Corry, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere, Bugzy Malone, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Eni Aluko and Chunkz.
Bugzy Malone said: “Manchester – I’m coming home! Can’t believe Soccer Aid for UNICEF is in my hometown this summer – big vibes.
“I’m going to smash it but will need everyone to come out if we’re to beat Bolt!
“This might be a football match on the day – but the legacy we are creating for the world’s children is so much deeper. It’s massive.”
Joel Corry said: “I’ve played some big gigs in my time – but this is going to be up there.
“I know the atmosphere at Old Trafford is going to be electric.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has told me what a great day it is and of course the fans are a huge part of that.
“Playing at Old Trafford will be a dream come true and I hope as many of you as possible can come along and support.”
The first names have also been released for England’s opponents – the Soccer Aid World XI FC – are: Usain Bolt (Captain) Robbie Keane (Coach), Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett and Kem Cetinay.