Some of the best footballers on the planet are busy participating in the Copa America in the US, while European stars are preparing for the Euro 2016. However, legends like Cafu, Ronaldinho, Jamie Carragher, David Seaman, Robbie Fowler and a host of other stars will battle it out as England takes on Rest of the World in a Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford on Sunday.
However, the match will not only witness football stars but also television stars, comedians and others to make the contest filled with superstars. Soccer Aid matches are not new to football fans, who have been witnessing such matches to support charity. This Soccer Aid charity match, which is the sixth edition, will raise funds for children's charity Unicef.
In the past also there have been occasions when footballers and film stars participated in such matches, entertaining the fans in the stadium. It is quite a rare occasion with stars of different walks of life on the same pitch, playing football.
However, one must not think that such matches are just played for fun, with the presence of players like Carragher who never likes to lose, irrespective of the nature of the game.
One look at both the squads makes us realise that both the teams are fairly well balanced. England have some quality players like Jermaine Defoe, who is still a quality striker in England. Apart from Defoe, Fowler, with his skills, will be one of the man to watch in the match, as the Englishman is seen playing for Liverpool legends as well.
With Carragher and Phil Neville as no-nonsense defenders, Rest of the World will need their skilled players to be at their best. Celebrities like Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Jack Whitehall, Jamie Theakston and Damian Lewis are expected to feature for England in the Soccer Aid charity game.
While for the Rest of the World, they have some serious Brazilian stars like Cafu and Ronaldinho, who might be past their prime, but make no mistake, they still might have that flair to trouble opponents. Like England, they too have some wonderful defenders in the form of Fabio Cannavaro and Japp Stam. For goals, they will look forward to Samuel Etto primarily.
As for the celebrities, Matthew Morrisson, Patrick Kietly, Iwan Rheon among others will form a strong team to take on England.
Where to watch live
England vs Rest of the World Soccer Aid Charity game is scheduled for 8 p.m local time ( 12:30 a.m IST) The game will not be made available in India.
Ireland and UK viewers can watch the England vs Rest of the World Soccer Aid Charity game live on ITV 1, with live streaming on itv.com
