SOCCER AID will bring some of football’s greatest legends back to the pitch one more time for a good cause – and the action unfolds this weekend!
The massive charity match takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Stamford Bridge and will be raising money for Unicef.
Some of England‘s greatest ever players will roll back the years against some of the world’s all-time best.
And together they will play to help underprivileged children from around the world escape conflict, malnutrition and disease.
Adult fans can buy a ticket for only £20 while children can gain entry at Chelsea‘s famous ground for just £10.
But who’s playing for England and World XI? Check out the full list below:
England
Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard returns to the Stamford Bridge dugout after his second stint as the Blues’ interim boss came to an end last year in May.
The Blues’ record goalscorer will be in charge of England after cutting his teeth as manager of his beloved club as well as Derby County and Everton.
Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Harry Redknapp will be joining Lampard after a stunning 34-year managerial career.
Redknapp knows everything there is about coaching having served for the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Jill Scott (Captain)
England legend Jill Scott will be donning the armband after a successful career at Everton, Manchester City, Sunderland and Aston Villa.
Scott is now building a TV career as a pundit appearing on Sky Sports’ show Stick To Football with fellow greats Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.
David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)
Arsenal legend David Seaman is one of the greatest keepers of all time.
That is why it’s quite fitting Seaman, who won three league titles and four FA Cup trophies with the Gunners, will be brought in as a goalkeeping coach.
David James
David James will be England’s No1 after a stunning career playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham and Aston Villa.
James picked up a total of 53 caps with the Three Lions before switching over to punditry.
Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe is one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
Defoe played for the likes of Tottenham and West Ham, as well as Sunderland and is the ninth all-time top scorer in the history of the Prem with 162 goals.
Jack Wilshere
Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere returns to the pitch for the first time since his early retirement at the age of 30 two years ago.
Wilshere is now in charge of Arsenal’s prestigious Under-18 side as he bids to become a manager.
Karen Carney
Karen Carney is well known for her work at Sky Sports, ITV, Amazon Prime, BBC and The Guardian.
But Carney also became famous thanks to her football career that saw her play for Birmingham, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill returns to Stamford Bridge after a glittering seven-year spell at Chelsea.
Cahill amassed 25 goals and six assists in 290 appearances that also saw him winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies and the 2012 Champions League.
Ellen White
Ellen White rose to prominence thanks to some fantastic spells at Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
White also registered a stunning 113 caps for England and won Euros 2022.
Theo Walcott
Arsenal legend Theo Walcott used to visit Stamford Bridge with destruction in mind against London rivals Chelsea.
However, this time around Walcott will be looking to bring everyone together while entertaining the crowd with his talent that made him a Gunners hero.
Joe Cole
Joe Cole also returns to his former Chelsea home that saw him amassing 39 goals and 46 assists in 282 appearances.
Cole went on to play for Liverpool and West Ham before switching to a pundit role at TNT Sports.
World XI
Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)
Mauricio Pochettino will be back at Stamford Bridge just two weeks after he left his post as Chelsea manager.
The Argentine will be putting all of that drama aside as he looks to raise money for a good cause.
Jesus Perez (Coach)
Jesus Perez also left Chelsea in May as Pochettino’s top assistant but the two will continue their work together at Soccer Aid.
Perez and Pochettino go back a long way as they also worked together at Southampton, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.
Eden Hazard
When thinking about some of the greatest Stamford Bridge legends, Eden Hazard is one of the first names that come to mind.
Hazard is Chelsea’s sixth all-time goalscorer with 110 goals and won six major trophies with the Blues – two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and League Cup.
Kaylyn Kyle
Kaylyn Kyle, 35, is one of the most experienced players in either squad and was a star in the 2023 game.
She earned 101 caps for Canada and has since become a pundit on Canadian TV.
Roberto Carlos
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos is considered by many as the best left-back of all time thanks to his freakishly powerful left foot.
Carlos built his legacy with Real Madrid where he won every title available, including three Champions League honours.
He also lifted the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.
John Obi Mikel
John Obi Mikel played a game for Chelsea legends in September 2023 and looked good enough to still be playing.
The Nigerian ex-Blues star joked that he spent all day “drinking beer” but has since launched a successful podcast that has featured the likes of John Terry and Jose Mourinho.
Petr Cech
One of the greatest goalkeepers in the Premier League era, Petr Cech hung up his gloves in 2019 before going on to work as a technical and performance adviser for the Blues.
He left that role in July 2022 after Toddy Boehly and Clearlake Capital came to the club.
Michael Essien
Another Chelsea legend returning to the Bridge is midfielder Michael Essien.
He played 256 games for the Blues and won eight trophies – including the Champions League.
He has been a coach of Danish club Nordsjaelland since 2020.
Patrice Evra
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has continued to be a presence in UK football and frequently appears in various media forms.
Evra is also a regular player in Soccer Aid and has been one of the stars for the World XI during their recent winning streak.
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero will be causing a nuisance at Stamford Bridge with his silky skills.
He is a well-decorated footballer who has won many accolades including the prestigious World Cup in 2006.