Mauricio Pochettino will manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC, against England, this summer. It is the first time that Pochettino has taken part in Soccer Aid. He will be joined in the dugout by his long-time assistant coach Jesus Perez.
Pochettino has coached some of the best players around, including England captain Harry Kane, seven-time Balon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, last season’s Premier League leading goalscorer Heung-min Son and the 2022 World Cup Finals top-scorer Kylian Mbappe.
As part of the World XI for Soccer Aid, Pochettino will be able to call upon two other world-renowned strikers and former Argentinian teammates of his in Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo, who will form a lethal strike partnership, with Francesco Totti and Nani also making their debuts.
The match takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday 11th June – with tickets still available. A family of four can attend for £60.
Pochettino said: “I am really looking forward to getting involved in Soccer Aid this year and managing the World XI. It is a real pleasure to be part of a match that represents a big cultural moment in this country’s annual calendar – and rightly so, because it raises so much money for Unicef.
“I love English football stadiums, the passion the fans show for the game and the atmosphere they create, so it will be great to feel that again next month.
“The Soccer Aid World XI FC has a very strong team this year and we want to ensure we help to continue their long unbeaten run in this match. Two of the most talented players I have played with – Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo – will be a big goal threat and we also have Nani and Totti, players that will excite fans so we hope as many people as possible will come along on the day to see them live and support this incredible cause.”
The Soccer Aid World XI FC line-up so far: Mauricio Pochettino, Jesus Perez, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are all part of the Management Team. Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Leon Edwards (Celebrity Goalkeeper) Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
The England line-up so far: Stormzy, Zavon Hines, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the Management Team. Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
Since 2006 – when Robbie Williams co-founded the concept – Soccer Aid has raised over £75 million to help give children all over the world a childhood full of play.
England vs Soccer Aid World XI FC takes place on Sunday 11th June. Tickets for the game are on sale: www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets