THAT'S A RAP
Soccer Aid 2023 England manager CONFIRMED – and it’s a massive music star making his debut
STORMZY will manage the England team at Soccer Aid 2023.
The 29-year-old rapper's debut at the charity event was confirmed on Thursday morning.
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He will head up a coaching staff which includes legendary Premier League boss Harry Redknapp, five-time Women's Super League-winning manager Emma Hayes, and actress Vicky McClure.
West Ham academy coach Zavon Hines - a friend of Stormzy's - will also be a part of the backroom team.
And Stormzy has spoken passionately about taking up the challenge for the game against a Soccer Aid World XI - which takes place at Old Trafford on June 11.
Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, said: "I’m a massive football fan, so getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to manage England is a dream come true.
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"The fact it’s at Old Trafford, and I’m a Manchester United fan, makes it extra special.
"Growing up, I have such good memories of watching Soccer Aid and all the star names who have taken part over the years."
He continued: "I like to explore opportunities outside of music and when this one came across my desk I was delighted. This is an opportunity to show the world my football mind!
"I’m taking this really seriously. I don’t want the players saying they loved my last album – seriously, it’s just about winning the game for me. I’ll put the fire in them.
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"They need to call me ‘boss’ or ‘gaffer’, though – not Mike!"
Stormzy will coach a number of ex-footballers next month including Scott, Neville, Scholes, Nicky Butt, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Karen Carney and Eni Aluko.
But he confirmed that Wayne Rooney would be his dream player to coach.
He said: "If I could pick any player to play for me it would be Wayne Rooney, all day long – it would be an honour to manage him.
"My other footballing heroes growing up were Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes – but I would have played like Rio Ferdinand had I ever turned pro!"
Stormzy even joked he may call legendary manager Jose Mourinho for advice towards the end of the game.
He said: "I’ve got a really good coaching team with me and if we’re struggling with 10 minutes to go I’ll call my mate Jose!"
England coaching team confirmed so far: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman.
England players confirmed so far: Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
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Soccer Aid World XI coaching team confirmed so far: Martin Compston and Robbie Keane.
Soccer Aid World XI players confirmed so far: Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
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