Who's playing in the 10th Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at the Etihad Stadium?
England will be looking to even the score as Soccer Aid returns later this year at The Etihad Stadium, as the home side take on the Soccer Aid World XI FC in an all-star match which last year raised a record-breaking 9 million for UNICEF. The annual event, created by Robbie Williams and the late former Newcastle United chairman Freddie Shepherd, today announced a selection of the celebrities and legends taking part in the match. For the first time former United players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will don the Three Lions in the hope of overturning the last year's penalty shoot-out defeat to the Soccer Aid World XI FC. Gary Neville said: Just when I thought my days of being booed by City fans had passed! Im just hoping that my hamstrings hold out for more than five minutes, to be honest. "Also, I just need to get through the next few months without Micah Richards sounding off in my ear too much. "All joking aside, were all playing for a hugely important cause  UNICEF. Their work is as important now as it has ever been, so please buy a ticket and come along  it will be great fun.  Celebrities James Arthur and Tom Grennan will be making their debuts alongside England central midfielder Fara Williams. The debutants will be joined by Wayne Rooney who is coming out of retirement to play for England again. The Three Lions all-time record goalscorer managed the England side in 2020 but is once again taking to the pitch as a player. The line-up is further strengthened by a number of football stars including Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, David James, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Jamie Redknapp. Add into the mix returning stars including Usain Bolt, Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Paddy McGuinness, Ore Oduba, Kem Cetinay, Liv Cooke, Chunkz and Maya Jama and the night is a sure-fire hit. Tickets for the anniversary game are on sale now with child tickets starting from 10 and adults from 20. For those that can't make the match, it will be broadcast live on ITV and STV. Dermot OLeary will again host the show and will be joined by Alex Scott MBE as pitch-side reporter. Alex, a former Arsenal Ladies and England player said: Im so excited for this! Ive wanted to be involved in Soccer Aid for UNICEF for many years, so I am delighted to be part of it now. "For years Ive watched the games and its something that I know loads of people look forward to. Itll be great to be back in a stadium with fans again  and all for such a great cause. "With so many great names already signed up  and many more to come  theres no excuse not to get your tickets now.  The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 4, and the money raised could help UNICEF deliver two billion Covid-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers, social workers and teachers around the world  the people children rely on  and help children get back to school, beat malnutrition, and get the healthcare they need today and long after the crisis is over. UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid for UNICEF Presenter, Dermot OLeary, said: The game is going to be incredible this year. Weve got a massive line-up, and were back-off-up-to-Manchester, albeit at a shiny new stadium, with some shiny new players to match. "Whoever you support, England or the Soccer Aid World XI FC, its going to be one hell of a night at the Etihad Stadium. The money we raise really will make a huge difference to childrens lives everywhere.  TV pundit and former Man City player Micah Richards has joined the England coaching team this year, facing Harry Redknapp who returns for another stint as manager of the Soccer Aid World XI FC. Me making my coaching debut. "This is going to be so good. I cant wait to see all the lads run out at The Etihad for such a great cause. The line-up is looking really strong and let me tell you  there are even more surprises to come.  For this first time this year, there will be a full Soccer Aid for UNICEF week across ITV and STV in the lead up to the match featuring shows, special takeovers and great prizes to be won. With its biggest-ever goal of going up against Covid for children, everywhere, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has never been bigger. To find out more and buy your tickets for the big match visit: www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets