Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott will become the first woman to captain England in this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF charity match.
The game takes place on Sunday June 11 at Old Trafford, where England will be looking to claim their first win against World XI FC since 2018.
Since its inception in 2006, Soccer Aid has raised over £75m for UNICEF, including £15m for last year’s match at the London Stadium which ended 2-2 before the World XI won on penalties.
Scott was part of the record-breaking England squad that won the European Championship title last summer and made headlines again in November after winning I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here from ‘ITV.
After those two successes, the 36-year-old former Manchester City and Everton midfielder – who retired from football last August after earning 161 caps for England – says she now hopes perform “The Treble” in June.
Scott said: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the Holy Trinity! I’ve won two so I just need Soccer Aid now to finish ‘The Treble’!
“I’m thinking of all three, but this might be the one that makes me most nervous – just look at the names involved! Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on!”
Scott is joined by three other former England internationals to make their Soccer Aid debuts, ex-Lionesses team-mate Karen Carney, Chelsea Champions League winner Gary Cahill and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere .
Wilshere, who retired last year aged 30 and is currently the Gunners’ U18 head coach, is relishing the chance to return to the pitch.
“I can’t wait to lace up my boots again and play with some of my old friends,” he said.
“I can’t tell you how good these captions are and I’ve been told a few of the celebrities were really handy too!
“As a father of young children, taking part in this game has extra meaning for me – and I urge people to buy tickets and show their support as well.”
DJ Joel Corry and rapper and actor Bugzy Malone are also making their England debuts, while Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness will play in goal for the first time.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and actress Vicky McClure are set to co-manage the England squad, which also includes Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Sir Mo Farah and Alex Brooker.
Eight-time Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt will once again captain the world XI, with former Republic of Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane as team coach and Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett and Kem Cetinay among the players named so far.