The former Manchester United star has landed his next football gig
England's Robbie Williams, Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney and Louis Tomlinson. (Soccer Aid)
England's Robbie Williams, Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney and Louis Tomlinson. (Soccer Aid)(Image: Soccer Aid)
Wayne Rooney will be joined by an impressive line-up of stars who will come together in support of Soccer Aid 2025. The Manchester United icon will have former world champion boxer Tyson Fury by his side - as together - the pair will manage the England team in a charity football match.
England will take on a Rest of the World XI in a match filled with celebrities and former athletes.
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The Independent reports fans will also be treated to the former England striker Rooney, 39, lacing up his boots as he will also play in the fixture which raises money for children’s aid charity UNICEF. And Fury may even join his joint manager on the field with the prospect teased as a potential substitution appearance. The match will be played on June 15 at Old Trafford.
Fury said: "Tyson Fury, England manager. Who would ever have thought it? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight. Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney. How can we lose?"
"The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”
Rooney said the opportunity to manage the side with Fury was 'fantastic'. He added: “Tyson and I are taking it incredibly seriously – we’ll put on a show for you.” Louis Tomlinson of One Direction fame will slot into the ranks of the England side, eight years after he made his debut in the event. The singer has a decent skillset in the beautiful game after he previously played for Doncaster Rovers' reserves in 2014.
The event, co-founded by singer Robbie Williams has raised over £106 million ($137m) for charity since its inception in 2006. This year's Soccer Aid will also see the debuts of former Lionesses Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan. The pair share a combined 200 caps for England between them.
Two-time Premier League winner Joe Hart will also make an appearance in the game as he looks to enjoy his first Soccer Aid experience alongside popular streamer Angry Ginge. Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Joe Hart and Jermain Defoe will also feature for the England side providing strong football expertise for the hosts.
Handout photo provided by Soccer Aid 2025 of Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney
As for the World XI - Denmark Women's international Nadia Nadim and Leonardo Bonucci will make their Soccer Aid debuts for the side. Bonucci, who was part of the Italy team that defeated England in the Euro 2020 final is said to be looking forward to the prospect of facing some of his former rivals at the home of the Red Devils.
Rooney added that he was looking forward to this year's event and highlighted the work that has been achieved by Soccer Aid so far. He said: "I have been completely blown away by the success of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be this successful. Very few things in life give me as much joy as knowing children's lives will have been made better because of it. Last year, the match raised £15m and we want to make this year bigger and better than ever."