Jill Scott will be the first female captain at Soccer Aid 2023.
Jill Scott will be the first female captain at Soccer Aid
The ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ winner - who led the Lionesses to victory at last summer’s Euros tournament - admitted she was “nervous” to lead the England team at the annual charity game on June 11 at Old Trafford against the World XI FC, and she's hoping snag the side’s first win since 2018.
The 36-year-old footballer said: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the holy trinity! I’ve won two of them, so just need Soccer Aid now to complete ‘The Treble’!
“I think of all three, this might be the one I’m most nervous about, though – just look at the names involved! Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on!”
Jill is making her debut at the annual charity event - which has raised more than £75 million for UNICEF since its 2006 inception - with three other former England international players; her former England teammate Karen Carney, ex Chelsea player Gary Cahill, 37, and the ex Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, 31, who retired last year and now coaches the club's under-18 side.
Jack said: “I am really looking forward to lacing up my boots again – and playing with some of my old friends. I can’t tell you how good these legends are and I’m told a few of the celebrities are quite handy too!
“As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me – and I would urge people to buy tickets and show their support too.”
Other famous faces are set to join the team - which will be managed by Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and ‘Line of Duty’ star Vicky McClure - include DJ Joel Corry, comedian Alex Brooker, Sir Mo Farah rapper Bugzy Malone and ‘Top Gear’ presenter Paddy McGuinness, who will play in goal.
They will join ex pros like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jermain Defoe and Eni Aluko.
Olympic champion Usain Bolt will be Jill’s opposite number alongside coach Robbie Keane, whose career highlights include playing for Tottenham and the Republic of Ireland’s national team, while comic Lee Mack, ‘Dragon’s Den’ star Steven Bartlett and TV personality Kem Cetinay are also set to play.
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