Platinum-selling rapper, singer and songwriter Stormzy will manage England at Soccer Aid this summer. The match takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday 11th June – with tickets still available. A family of four can attend for £60.
It is the first time that Stormzy has taken part in Soccer Aid. A Manchester United fan, Stormzy will have Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes and Vicky McClure to help guide him as part of the wider England coaching team. Jill Scott is England Captain.
Stormzy said: “I’m a massive football fan, so getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to manage England is a dream come true. The fact it’s at Old Trafford, and I’m a Manchester United fan, makes it extra special. Growing up, I have such good memories of watching Soccer Aid and all the star names who have taken part over the years. It’s a great family occasion, so come along and support us on Sunday 11th June.
“I like to explore opportunities outside of music and when this one came across my desk I was delighted. This is an opportunity to show the world my football mind! I’m taking this really seriously. I don’t want the players saying they loved my last album – seriously, it’s just about winning the game for me. I’ll put the fire in them. They need to call me ‘boss’ or ‘gaffer’, though – not Mike!
“If I could pick any player to play for me it would be Wayne Rooney, all day long – it would be an honour to manage him. My other footballing heroes growing up were Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes – but I would have played like Rio Ferdinand had I ever turned pro! I’ve got a really good coaching team with me and if we’re struggling with 10 minutes to go I’ll call my mate José!”
Zavon Hines – West Ham FC Academy Coach, and Stormzy’s friend – will also provide guidance from the dugout. The coming weeks will see a host of other star names announced – with neither team’s line-up yet complete.
The England line-up so far: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the England 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.
The Soccer Aid World XI FC line-up so far: Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are both part of the World XI Management Team, with more managerial signings to be announced. Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
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