Comedian Lee Mack scored a late third goal for the World XI in 2021 (Martin Rickett/PA)
(PA Wire)
Soccer Aid 2022 is here with England taking on the World XI at West Ham’s London Stadium tonight with efforts to raise money for Unicef. After Robbie Williams set up the world’s biggest celebrity football match in 2006, the event has grown bigger each year, with the best former footballers, athletes, singers, actors, comedians and more all involved.
Regular players include David Seaman, Jamie Redknapp, singer Olly Murs and TV presenter Ben Shephard, while Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf is Soccer Aid’s top scorer with four goals. Bragging rights are of extra importance tonight as the winner will split a tie of five wins apiece from the 10 matches played thus far, with Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Wembley and the Etihad Stadium also hosting over the years. There will be a concert tonight too, with Williams set to perform.
Last year the World XI, managed by Harry Redknapp, with Robbie Keane as player-assistant and Judy Murray as the tea lady, came out on top 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a double from Love Island stand Kem Cetinay and one from comedian Lee Mack. Cetinay picked up the man of the match. There were 51,674 in attendance that night. Follow goal and score updates live below, with reaction and the best from social media on what promises to be a night packed with entertainment
Soccer Aid 2022: England XI arrive at London Stadium
The England XI have arrived at the London Stadium and are taking a close inspection of the pitch.
(PA)
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Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:57
Soccer Aid 2022: World XI arrive at London Stadium
The World XI have arrived at the London Stadium and are taking a close inspection of the pitch.
(PA)
(PA)
(PA)
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:50
Soccer Aid 2022: England’s fastest players
England players had their maximum speed measured during training by Statsports, here are the top three:
2. Jamie Carragher 22.24 kmph
Jamie Carragher of England during a Soccer Aid for Unicef 2022 Training Session
(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:44
Soccer Aid 2022: Heather O’Reilly thrilled to play under Arsene Wenger
Former USA star Heather O’Reilly said: “So much fun to get our feet under us, we know how each other play, strengths and weaknesses, good camoraderie and a good runaround.
“I played at Arsenal at the same time Arsene finished his tenure there, I admired him from afar, so now to play under him, to get a compliment, it was a good track back, I’ll track back for that guy anyday. He’s the best.
“England have some quality. But I’m liking our chances a lot.”
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:39
Soccer Aid 2022: World XI and formation
Arsene Wenger can boast two of the greatest full-backs of all time in his back four: Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
Line of Duty star Martin Compston will anchor the midfield, with Wenger opting for a 4-3-3 against Redknapp’s England in a 4-4-2.
The front three is packed with quality and athleticism with USA legend and three-time gold medalist Heather O’Reilly joining eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt either side of one of the most feared marksmen in European football history: Andriy Shevchenko.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:33
Soccer Aid 2022: England XI and formation
Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher will hope to lock down the right side of the England defence.
The skipper, Liam Payne, lines up at right wing, with Hammers legend Mark Noble in the centre of midfield in front of his own fans at the London Stadium.
Manager Harry Redknapp will hope Teddy Sheringham and comedian Alex Brooker can forge a formidable partnership up top.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:28
Soccer Aid 2022: Arsene Wenger vs Harry Redknapp football and spoon race
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:22
Soccer Aid top scorers and most appearances
Clarence Seedorf tops the charts with four career Soccer Aid goals.
Then there is a tie for second with Teddy Sheringham, Kem Cetinay, Jeremy Lynch and Jonathan Wilkes all on three goals.
David Seaman has the most appearances with eight, ahead of Ben Shephard, Jamie Redknapp and Olly Murs, who have all featured seven times.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:12
Soccer Aid 2022 TV presenter and reporters
UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary leads the coverage as presenter.
He’ll be joined by Maya Jama, who brings her thoughts as a pundit.
While former England international Alex Scott is back as a pitch-side reporter.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2022 18:07
