Robbie Williams will mix it with the best on the pitch at Old Trafford next month as England take on a Rest of the World 11 as part of the biennial Soccer Aid clash in aid of UNICEF.
Williams will walk out alongside former Manchester United great Teddy Sheringham and Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher as England seek to retain their trophy against Jose Mourinho’s all-star cast on June 8.
Ex-Red Devils defender Jaap Stam and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will prop up the challengers’ defence while World Cup winner Alessandro del Piero and Champions League victor Andriy Shevchenko will provide the forward ammunition.
“Jamie Redknapp in midfield is one to watch for England and Teddy [Sheringham] is still pretty fit. I’m sure Robbie will be eager to get a goal – we might put Jaap on him!” said Van der Sar.
Stam added: “Old Trafford is a fantastic ground with such history and success and so many great memories for myself. I’m very determined. I’ve not won this trophy so I’m hoping it’ll be third time lucky.”
England were talking a confident game ahead of the encounter.
“As one of England’s goalkeepers and having seen off so many of the greats already like Zidane, Maradona, Romario, Zola and Figo, there is no-one out there I fear. Bring it on!” said radio presenter Jamie Theakston, while 2005 Champions League winner Carragher said there would be no relenting in their pursuit of the trophy defence.
“The approach as always is to win. We are there for charity but we are all competitive and I’ll be disappointed if we don’t finish the night lifting the trophy.”
Williams’ side will feature singers Mark Owen, also of Take That fame, and United season ticket holder Olly Murs while comedian and Reds fan Patrick Kielty will play for the ROTW ensemble alongside Westlife’s Nicky Byrne and footballer-turned-chef Gordon Ramsay.
Also in action will be True Blood actor Stephen Moyer, Dr Who’s Matt Smith and Avatar’s Sam Worthington as well as comedians Paddy McGuinness, Jack Whitehall and John Bishop.
“It doesn’t get any better as a United fan than pulling on a pair of gloves and boots and playing in front of the Stretford End. But I’ll still be just as nervous as I was when I stepped out there for the first time in 2006 and stood on Maradona’s boots!” said Irishman Kielty.
Main image courtesy of Robbie Williams via YouTube, with thanks.
