Soccer Aid 2024: Who is Erin Doherty playing for England?

Soccer Aid has returned with a fantastic line-up of stars and former professionals taking part in the charity match. One of the celebrities taking to the pitch for England at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 9 June is actress Erin Doherty.

It will be Erin's first time playing for Soccer Aid in support of charity UNICEF who help protect and provide children with happy and healthy lives.

Erin, 31, is best known for playing the young Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of the Netflix drama The Crown - but she was also once a promising junior footballer, previously scouted by Chelsea Women.

READ MORE: Soccer Aid 2024 date, tickets, how to watch on TV and team line-ups

However Erin, who grew up in West Sussex, decided to focus on acting and her first TV role was in an episode of Call the Midwife as Jessie Marsh in 2017.

She then appeared in the TV series Les Misérables and more recently acted as Becky in the BBC/Amazon Prime drama Chloe in 2022 and as Clare in Reawakening in 2024.

Erin is in a relationship with actress Sophie Melville. Speaking ahead of her Soccer Aid appearance Erin said: “To have the opportunity to take part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 is an incredible honour for me. It’s quite humbling, actually. Once-upon-a-time, I was scouted to play for Chelsea Women and now – finally! – a dream of mine comes true: playing at a sold-out Stamford Bridge.”

She added: “When I get to walk out onto that pitch I’ll feel a huge sense of pride. This is a ‘pinch me’ moment! I can’t believe how many star names are taking part this year, it’s truly incredible.

“This will be one of the best events this summer. I want everyone reading this to be part of it too. So, please buy your tickets – which are on sale today – and support this hugely important cause.”

New signings for this summer along with Erin include Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier, I’m A Celeb star Sam Thompson and former Chelsea icon Eden Hazard.

Returning players for the England team include Sir Mo Farah and Steven Bartlett joining footballing legends Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), Gary Cahill, Joe Cole and Karen Carney.

There will also be stars Miniminter, Paddy McGuiness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), Tom Grennan, Jack Wilshere, Alex Brooker, Steven Bartlett, Danny Dyer, Theo Walcott and Ellen White on the pitch.

The World XI FC line-up features celebs and former pros including returning team favourites Usain Bolt (Captain), Jesus Perez (Coach), Roman Kemp, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Theo Baker, Tommy Fury, Maisie Adam, Eden Hazard, Diamond, Roberto Carlos, Kaylyn Kyle, John Obi Mikel, Jason Manford, Petr Cech, Patrice Evra and Michel Essein.

Frank Lampard joins Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams as England manager and facing them down will be Mauricio Pochettino, returning as manager for Soccer Aid World XI.

The live show will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by Alex Scott with Sam Matterface and Iain Stirling commenting again.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Co-Founder Robbie Williams said: “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. It is an amazing event. When we launched this nearly two decades ago, I would never have dreamed it would raise as much money as it has.

“The main reason the match continues to be such a success, is because the great British public continue to be so generous in supporting UNICEF’s work helping children around the world have happy, healthy, play-filled childhoods. Once again, I am kindly asking you to buy a ticket to the game on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge – the line-up is as star-studded as ever! Thank you for all of your continued support.”

Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge.