Why is Jason Manford playing for Rest of the World XI and not England at Soccer Aid 2024?

Charity football match Soccer Aid returns tomorrow night as celebs and former professional players go head to head to raise money for UNICEF. Soccer Aid 2024 will take place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge, London with England taking on the Soccer Aid World XI FC.

The match will air on ITV, ITVX and STV at 6pm. But some fans might be confused as to why comedian Jason Manford has been named in the World XI FC side despite being born in England.

Jason, 43, was born and grew up in Greater Manchester. But he qualifies for the World side as he has Irish roots.

Read more Soccer Aid 2024 - Why Lee Mack is playing for Rest of the World XI and not England

His grandmother was born in Dublin and moved to Manchester in the 1950's with his grandfather.

The full line-up of players for Soccer Aid 2024

England

• Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)

• Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)

• Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)

• Actress Vicky McClure (Coach)

• Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper)

• David James (Professional Goalkeeper)

• David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)

• Jill Scott (Captain)

• Cricketer Stuart Broad

• Actor Bobby Brazier

• I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson

• Footballer Jermain Defoe

• Pundit Karen Carney

• Footballer Gary Cahill

• Singer Tom Grennan

• Jack Wilshere

• Footballer Joe Cole

• Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah

• Comedian Alex Brooker

• Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett

• Actress Erin Doherty

• Footballer Ellen White

• Footballer Theo Walcott

• Actor Danny Dyer

• YouTuber Miniminter

• Sports promoter Eddie Hearn

• Former hockey star Sam Quek

• Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston

• Sidemen star Billy Wingrove (Soccer and skills coach for both sides)

World XI

• Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)

• Jesus Perez (Coach)

• Usain Bolt (Captain)

• Footballer Eden Hazard

• Boxer and reality star Tommy Fury

• Comedian Maisie Adam

• Gladiator Diamond

• Footballer Roberto Carlos

• Actor Martin Compston

• Presenter Roman Kemp

• Comedian Lee Mack

• YouTuber Theo Baker

• Footballer Kaylyn Kyle

• Comedian Jason Manford

• Footballer John Obi Mikel

• Footballer Michael Essien

• Footballer Patrice Evra

• Footballer Petr Cech (Professional Goalkeeper)

• Boxer Tony Bellew (Celebrity Goalkeeper)

• Footballer Alessandro Del Piero

• Actor Emmett J Scanlan

• Spain footballer Olga Garcia

• France footballer Kheira Hamraoui