SOCCER AID 2008 SIGNS NEW PLAYERS

Singer Craig David, TV personality Angus Deayton, McFly’s Danny Jones, Harry Potter actor Tom Felton and actor Hugo Speer have just signed for team England in Soccer Aid 2008.

With Ant and Dec hosting, this year’s event, with England taking on the Rest of the World, takes place live on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium. Eleven celebrities and five legends make up each team, and all want to make it into the starting line up.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will manage England and his squad includes football legends Jamie Redknapp, Alan Shearer and David Seaman, as well as celebrities including rugby and Dancing on Ice star Kyran Bracken, singer Craig David, TV presenter Angus Deayton, singer Gareth Gates, Mcfly singer Danny Jones, GMTV presenter Ben Shephard, actor Hugo Speer, TV and radio presenterJamie Theakston, and TV personality Jonathan Wilkes.

Meanwhile, legendary Scot Kenny Dalglish will take charge of the Rest of the World. His players include Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, former spindoctor and journalist Alastair Campbell, TV presenter Patrick Kielty, legendary cricketer Brian Lara, Sex and the City actor Gilles Marini and legendary goalie Peter Schmeichel.

Gordon Ramsay will captain Rest of the World, but team England have a new skipper. Robbie Williams is passing on his captain’s armband, and Harry Redknapp will be the man to decide who will take on this job.

As the originator of the Soccer Aid concept, Robbie is confident that again the match will be of huge benefit to UNICEF’s work around the world.

Robbie Williams says: “Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life. I’m gutted that this time round my knee isn’t up to it so unfortunately I’m out of the game. But I hope that everyone involved has the time of their life like I did, raises loads of money for UNICEF and that the best side wins.”

Tim Lovejoy and Louise Redknapp bring all the action from the sidelines while pundits and special studio guests will deliver their live analysis of the beautiful game.

The brainchild of UNICEF ambassador Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid, last held at Old Trafford in 2006, attracted a host of world class players and celebrities including Diego Maradona, David Ginola, Patrick Kielty, Gianfranco Zola, Paul Gascoigne and Jamie Redknapp. The all star match raised an impressive £2.6 million for UNICEF’s work with partners for children around the world.

Last time round, England reigned victorious at Old Trafford. But on new turf with new teams, at the new Wembley Stadium, it’s a clean slate.

Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday 7th September at Wembley Stadium. For tickets to Soccer Aid 2008, call 0871 230 7148 or go to ITV.com/socceraid.

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