Soccer Aid fans are calling for David Beckham to play for England against a World XI at the Etihad Stadium but the Man Utd legend will play his part later in the night
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England XI train for Soccer Aid at Mottram Hall
David Beckham is not playing at Soccer Aid 2021 but the former Manchester United star still has a vital role to play.
The England legend has turned up in a suit, when many would’ve loved him to be on the pitch representing his country against the World XI.
The now 46-year-old last played for the Three Lions in 2009 against Belarus.
Nevertheless Beckham will make his presence known as he will be the man handing out the Soccer Aid trophy at the Etihad.
England lost out on penalties last year so are looking for revenge and having Becks help them celebrate would certainly be a bonus.
A host of his former club and country team-mates are playing in the clash whilst Sven-Goran Eriksson, who managed Beckham for much of his international career, is in the dugout.
Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have all laced up their boots to help England’s cause.
They are up against a World XI that features the likes of Usain Bolt, Clarence Seedorf and Patrice Evra.
Celebrities like Olly Murs, James Arthur and James Bay are all playing for England.
Neville, who is playing at the heart of defence alongside Jamie Carragher, has joked that he only played to be on the same side as Rooney and Scholes once more.
He said: “I’ve always watched it but never thought I wanted to play in it.
“I finally got persuaded because it meant I could play in a team with Rooney and Scholes again and this hopefully means I’m on the winning team.”
Beckham, himself a UNICEF ambassador, has spoken about the incredible work performed by the charity and urged those watching to donate.
He said: “I’m delighted to be attending Soccer Aid for UNICEF in my role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. What a year it has been for football and I can’t wait to watch England take on the Soccer Aid World XI in what is set to be an incredible match.
“I have been a Goodwill Ambassador for over 16 years and have seen first-hand the incredible work that UNICEF does for children around the world.
“Soccer Aid for UNICEF has never been more important, with the Covid crisis making life for kids in the world’s poorest countries even harder.
“With the support of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, donations will go twice as far in supporting the health and nutrition of kids around the world.”