Former England players Jill Scott and Wayne Rooney spoke at a press event ahead of the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid.
England legend Jill Scott has described her experience playing alongside Wayne Rooney in last year's Soccer Aid as a true "pinch me" moment as they both prepare to return for the charity match's 20th anniversary.
Among the new faces joining the lineup is I’m a Celebrity winner and Youtuber Angry Ginge and Warrington’s own Owen Cooper: the Adolescence star who is making history as the youngest player to ever grace the pitch.
The award-winning actor, said that even though he was not born when the first Soccer Aid took place he is a “big fan” of the fundraising event, and being the youngest player to take part is a “real honour”.
The 16-year-old from Warrington will join athletes and celebrities to fundraise for UNICEF at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 31 May 2026.
Wayne Rooney
The former Manchester United forward from Croxteth in Liverpool got to roll back the years in the 2025 Soccer Aid match, in which he scored at the Stretford End.
He said: "I've always loved Soccer Aid and what it does. This year is it's 20th year and it's raised £120 million which is incredible.
"Obviously raising money is the most important thing, but you also get to meet from different people from different backgrounds."
Rooney's appearance in the 2026 England squad will see him play his third Soccer Aid match, and hopefully hand him his first win.
He said: "I've never won before, so hopefully I can turn that around this year."
The England squad lost 5-4 at Old Trafford in 2025.
The 40-year-old also said that he hopes his old club will be turning it around after a difficult season, with Head Coach Michael Carrick in charge of Manchester United until at least the end of the season.
He said: "Of course Manchester United will be looking at different options... but it just looks right and feels right with Michael Carrick in there.
"It feels like a Manchester United team of old, and so if that continues there will be massive pressure for him to stay on."
Wayne Rooney is also optimistic about England's chances in the 2026 World Cup with new Manager Thomas Tuchel in charge.
He said: "We're one of the favourites to win it. We have to be with the player's England has got and now with the manager who had won various top trophies throughout his career.
"I think we're in as good of a position as we can be going into the World Cup."
Jill Scott
Playing alongside the Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney will be rival club Manchester City's own hero: midfielder Jill Scott.
The 39-year-old from Sunderland was part of the Lionesses squad that won the Euros in 2022, and has more than 160 caps for her country.
Despite her accolades, Scott says playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick in the 2025 Soccer Aid was a highlight.
She said: "Passing the ball to Wayne Rooney, such a Man United and England legend, was such a pinch me moment.
"I was playing midfield with Michael Carrick and just thinking; Jill just run and work hard. To do that with ex-Man United legends at Old Trafford... it was such a good day."
Jill Scott was also just as optimistic as her 2025 teammate Wayne Rooney about England's chances at the World Cup.
She said: "I'm so excited for the men, I really am. You could make two teams of 11 and they could both compete so I'm so excited for them. Hopefully they can go out there and win the world cup, imagine!"
Joe Hart
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is pulling his gloves back on to raise money for UNICEF.
"I loved it last season. It was a great opportunity and something I looked at when I was playing the game and thought it would be something I'd love to get involved in, and it was everything I wanted and more. Great people for a great cause, and a special evening.
The game was brilliant, but I want to win. I play to win and there's no getting away from that," he said.
He's optimistic about Manchester City's chances in the Premier League too: "Obviously I'm always going to have my Manchester City hat on when it comes to the Premier League.
"We all know if Manchester City click into gear they can put real pressure on whoever's above them.
"You're always looking to win, there's no getting away from it. Everyone in that team, everyone in that stadium, everyone in that coaching staff is there to win."
Tickets for Soccer aid are available now, and the charity match will be broadcast live on ITV1 on 31 May 2026.
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