Manchester rapper Aitch will be doing more than striking a pose after signing up for the star-studded Soccer Aid charity match.
Hometown hero Aitch will be joining the England side as it plays in Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for the first time in the annual charity game’s history.
"I'm gassed to announce that I'm playing for England at Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Saturday 4th September," he said in a video announcing the addition to the glittering line-up.
"The big game takes place in my hometown, Manchester.
"So if you're from the 0161 or not, get your tickets today."
The Moston-born rapper will bae taking to the England XI, hoping to make it 6-4 in the historical record of wins in the tie - and some huge names have come on board to make that dream a reality.
Aitch will be joined by Wayne Rooney, who will be coming out of retirement to don the England shirt once more, as well as his old Man United teammates Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.
They will also be followed by former England international stars in the form of Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey, David James and Jamie Redknapp.
Since 2019, female players have been able to be included in both squads – and Fara Williams and Kelly Smith will be just some of the stars hoping to get a run out come Saturday, September 4.
They'll be facing the World team, consisting of Usain Bolt, Partice Evra, Roberto Carlos and Ronan Kemp, among other big names.
Aitch's signing comes after he penned a moving rap titled The Final Word ahead of the England v Italy Euro 2020 final.
Reflecting the mood of the nation, the rapper, real name Harrison Armstrong, offered a powerful insight into the journey to the historic final at Wembley.
“Home sweet home/ Made it here through sun and snow/ We took, we grow, we love to moan/ But we can beat the odds, the bookie knows/ Touch the field and shut the globe/ The heart we had, the guts we shown/ We wouldn’t stop, we couldn’t fold/ Three lions came here for the throne,” his track begins.
“From the city centre to country roads/ The spirits strong, the love is shown/ On every road is young and old/ Only thing we hope 'It’s Coming Home.'"
And he concludes: “Through Sunday League, right up to pros/ Using jumpers as footie posts/ The concrete pitch to muddy soles/ It belongs to us, it was put in stone/ We graft for years, it took it’s toll/ The attack was fierce, got stuck in loads/ No man we fear, we took an oath/ To stand and cheer, for what we love the most.”
Soccer Aid will be broadcast live on ITV and STV so is free for those looking to watch the event in the UK. Kick off is 7.30pm on Saturday, September 4 2021, with coverage likely starting a bit before that.
Tickets for the charity exhibition can be bought from the Soccer Aid website , and start at £21 for adults and £10.50 for kids.
