Soccer Aid's Alex Brooker reveals why Bobby Brazier could be the secret to England's elusive win

Virgin Radio

19 Mar 2024, 14:26

Comedian turned celebrity footballer Alex Brooker believes Bobby Brazier could be the secret weapon England’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 team needs.

Speaking exclusively with virginradio.co.uk after the first list of names for Soccer Aid 2024 were revealed today (19th March), Alex - who is returning to the charity fundraising match for a third year - shared his thoughts on several of the game’s newest players.

With Soccer Aid’s England team not having beaten the World XI since 2018, the proud player is hoping this June’s match may bring an end to his team’s misfortune on the pitch.

“I bet you [Bobby Brazier] is a really good player,” The Last Leg star suggested when asked about his thoughts on his new teammates. “Straight up I have never seen him play football before, [but] I bet you he’s a really good footballer.

“I think he’s also fit - the geezer’s done Strictly!” Alex added. “He’s physically fit, which is a big bonus when you have people like me alongside you - I need someone to do the running! So yeah, I think Bobby will be amazing.”

Alex was also excited about reality TV star Sam Thompson joining England’s team. “I’m looking forward to meeting [him],” he shared, before also celebrating how podcaster and Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett would be switching teams this year from the World XI to England.

When it comes to this year’s competition, the comedian did share some concerns about the Usain Bolt captained World XI team. Gladiators star Livi Sheldon, aka Diamond, will be joining that team, and “she’ll be tough [to come up against]” Alex predicted. “Put it this way - I wouldn’t want to go into like a shoulder challenge [with her]... I think I’d end up going flying!” he joked.

But even though the TV star is also intimidated about coming up against professional footballers such as former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, what he stressed was how wonderful an experience Soccer Aid is thanks to how it gets such a variety of stars together to play for such a great cause.

“It just kind of blows my mind,” Alex admitted, adding: “It’s an incredible event for such an amazing cause… So please come out and support us. It’s going to be an amazing game, an amazing show, and the cause is the best. Hopefully this year we can take the money raised through Soccer Aid past that £100 million mark.”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

Soccer Aid 2024 will also be broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX, hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary and UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter Alex Scott.