How are Soccer Aid players eligible for the World XI team?

It’s that time of year again – Soccer Aid is back, and an eclectic selection of former footballers and celebs are ready to go head to head in the name of raising money for charity.

This year, Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams are the managers for England with David Seaman and Vicky McClure acting as coaches.

Meanwhile, the World XI is managed by former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino with Jesus Perez as coach.

Last year, England lost to the World XI on penalties at the London Stadium, with around £15 million raised for Unicef.

There’s also a few surprise names on the list of players – especially in the World XI.

How are the Soccer Aid players eligible for the World XI?

The game is played in good spirits for a great cause, and it’s fair to say that the organisers have played a little fast and loose when it comes to picking players for the World XI side.

Normally, the players picked for the side are either former professional players from countries around the world or celebs with ties to countries outside of England, although many celebs just choose to get involved for the fun of it.

Radio DJ Roman Kemp qualifies having been born in the United States. Liverpudlian Tony Bellew will play in goal for the World XI, qualifying through his mother who is of African descent, although it's not been specified which country.

Elsewhere, Lee Mack plays for the World XI due to his Irish heritage. The same goes for Jason Manford. Tommy Fury is also in the World XI side. His father is of Irish Traveller descent and his mother is of Mauritian descent.

The full list of players involved in Soccer Aid 2024 is below.

England

• Jill Scott
• Stuart Broad
• Bobby Brazier
• Sam Thompson
• Paddy McGuinness
• David James
• Jermain Defoe
• Karen Carney
• Gary Cahill
• Tom Grennan
• Jack Wilshere
• Joe Cole
• Sir Mo Farah
• Alex Brooker

• Erin Doherty
• Steven Bartlett
• Danny Dyer
• Theo Walcott
• Ellen White
• Miniminter
• Eddie Hearn
• Sam Quek
• Tom Hiddleston
• Simon Miniminter

Soccer Aid World XI FC

• Usain Bolt
• Eden Hazard
• Maisie Adam
• Tommy Fury
• Diamond (from Gladiators)
• Martin Compston
• Roberto Carlos
• Lee Mack
• Roman Kemp
• Theo Baker
• Kaylyn Kyle
• John Obi Mikel
• Patrice Evra
• Petr Cech
• Michael Essien
• Tony Bellew
• Alessandro Del Piero
• Emmett J.Scanlan
• Olga Garcia
• Kheira Hamraoui
• Jason Manford
  Soccer Aid is set to kick off at 7:30 BST on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge in London. Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the charity match on ITV 1, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm.

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