Soccer Aid 2025: Rooney, Defoe and Scott lead England against World XI at London Stadium

Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Jill Scott lead the England lineup for Soccer Aid 2025 at London Stadium, with the annual charity fixture kicking off at 6:30pm BST. The event, now in its 20th year, pits an England side against a World XI in aid of UNICEF UK.

Alongside the former professionals, celebrity participants including singer Olly Murs and actor Tom Hiddleston are set to feature for England, continuing the event’s tradition of blending sporting pedigree with entertainment.

First held in 2006, Soccer Aid has grown into one of the most prominent charity football events in the British calendar, raising funds for UNICEF UK’s work supporting children around the world. The London Stadium, home of West Ham United, provides the backdrop for this milestone edition.

Rooney, England’s all-time record scorer, remains one of the event’s most recognisable participants, while Defoe and Scott — a World Cup winner with the England women’s team — add further footballing credibility to the lineup. The World XI squad had not been fully detailed in available information at the time of publication.