The world’s largest charity match is back in the capital, where sports stars and celebrities compete tonight for UNICEF. England will have revenge in mind after being beaten 3-0 by the World XI in Manchester last year.
Players like Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger sit opposite each other in the dugouts, with former One Direction star Liam Payne captaining England and sprinting legend Usain Bolt taking the World XI bracelet. They will be joined by the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Damian Lewis and Sir Mo Farah for England, while Petr Cech, Patrice Evra, Carli Lloyd and Noah Beck will wear the World XI livery.
Kick-off at London Stadium is at 7.30pm BST, with Robbie Williams – the brainchild of Soccer Aid – at half time. Alex Scott, Dermot O’Leary and Maya Jama will lead the proceedings. Stay with us!
Live updates
Donations so far
Only 15 minutes until kick-off at London Stadium.
So far £4,248,121 has been raised for UNICEF. unbelievable!
World XI…XI
…and the opposition.
World XI: Peter Cech; Cafu, Mo Gilligan, Patrice Evra, Roberto Carlos; Noah Beck, Martin Compston, Mark Strong; Heather O’Reilly, Andriy Shevchenko, Usain Bolt (c)
England lineup
A reminder of the starting XIs, England first.
England XI: David James; Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Mark Wright, Mo Farah; Liam Payne, Fara Williams, Mark Noble, Tom Grennan; Teddy Sheringham, Alex Brooker
O’Reilly on Wenger
Speaking of the former Arsenal boss, here’s ex-American star Heather O’Reilly on what it’s like to play for the legend.
She told ITV: “So nice to get our feet together, we know how each other play, strengths and weaknesses, good camaraderie and a good runaround.
“I was playing at Arsenal when Arsene ended his tenure there, I admired him from a distance, so to play under him now, to get a compliment, it was a good track back, I will go back every day for that man He is the best.
“England has some quality. But I really like our chances.”
Wenger plans England’s downfall
Arsene Wenger is in the dugout of World XI tonight. He is helped by Robbie Keane and Idris Elba.
Lee Mack is feeling good
Lee Mack is in a confident mood.
“Even Arsene Wenger, probably the best manager in the world, hasn’t made me 1% better,” he just said.
However, Wenger did not name him in the base.
Warming up Aitch
Rapper Aitch is already signing the arms of his fans on the pitch.
Kick-off in just under an hour.
Robbie Williams is here
He is the mastermind behind Soccer Aid and will perform during halftime.
Here they come
England and World XI players have started arriving at the London Stadium. Mark Noble in front and in the middle of course.
Bolt’s message
World XI captain Usain Bolt adds: “Winning as two-year captain [in a row] I just want to say that we just win, win, win.
“I’m going through this year…I’m excited to go and win No. 3, so come on!”