Joe Marler to make England debut as Soccer Aid 2026 line-up confirmed | OneFootball

Wayne Rooney among big names playing at annual charity match

Joe Marler will make his England debut at Soccer Aid 2026.

Marler won 95 senior caps for his country and was part of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand back in 2017.

He made 286 appearances for Harlequins during his playing career, and was part of the England World Cup squads that finished as runners-up and in third place in both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments.

Marler, who has since become a podcast host and appeared on last year’s Celebrity Traitors.

“I’m honoured to be part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF,” Marler said.

“Never did I believe I would be swapping an England rugby kit for a football kit but rest assured I’ll be a ‘Faithful’ to an amazing cause.”

Marler is listed as one of England’s celebrity goalkeepers, and he will share the responsibility with TV presenter Paddy McGuinness. Former Manchester City shot-stopper Joe Hart has been named as the Three Lions’ professional goalkeeper.

Robbie Williams, who co-founded Soccer Aid along with Jonathan Wilkes, will manage the England side, while Soccer Aid regular and track legend Usain Bolt will take charge of the World XI.

Among the England squad will be Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Theo Walcott.

For the World XI, ex-Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba, who recently announed his retirement at Inter Miami, will make his Soccer Aid debut,

Ali Krieger and Jen Beattie, the US and Scotland women’s internationals, will feature, along with Manchester United’s former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and Leonardo Bonucci, who netted the equaliser against England in the Euro 2020 final.

Adolensence star Owen Cooper, 16, is fresh off the back of winning a Golden Globe and an Emmy, and he will be part of England’s squad. Fellow actors Damson Idris and Tom Hiddleston will also feature, with more players set to be announced.

The World XI won last year’s match 5-4, with musician Big Zuu scoring the winner at Old Trafford after former Man United and Man City striker Carlos Tevez netted four goals to help his side come back from 3-0 down.