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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Wayne Rooney handed first managerial role as he's named England boss for Soccer Aid

Wayne Rooney will take to the technical area for the first time after being named England manager for next month's Soccer Aid fixture.

The Derby County captain is Manchester United and England's record goalscorer and he returns to Old Trafford for the annual charity match.

His co-manager will be former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce and the goalkeeping coach will be former England No.1 David Seaman.

The date and time of the fixture is expected to be announced by ITV in the coming days.

Rooney confirmed his involvement in the world's biggest annual charity match by saying: “Taking part in Soccer Aid for Unicef is something I have wanted to do for many years.

"Previously, I have never been able to make the dates work, but this year was obviously different.

Rooney will manage England at Soccer Aid (UNICEF)

"I was enormously proud to be asked to manage the England team and although there will be no fans at the match, it is always special to go back to Old Trafford.

“Simply, representing your country is always a huge honour – and this game is no different. I’m looking forward to working with Sam and David.

"Yes, the players and I want to win the match but the real victory is helping to raise millions of pounds for Unicef. This year, every £1 donated is automatically tripled to £3 thanks to the UK Government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, so I would ask people to donate if they can.

Who will come out on top next month - England or the Soccer Aid World XI? Have your say here.

Rooney will be featuring in the annual charity match for the first time (EMPICS Sport)

“I’d like to thank Derby County Football Club for giving me special dispensation to take part in the match. Soccer Aid for Unicef is a show that we’ve always tried to watch as a family over the years.

"The names taking part this year will make it one of the most exciting to-date, so I hope everyone at home tunes in.”

This year's Soccer Aid fixture was initially scheduled to be played on 6 June, but the coronavirus pandemic forced it to be delayed until September.

Rooney, Allardyce and Seaman join an all-star cast for the match. Jason Manford, Joel Dommett, Santan Dave, James Bay, Kelly Smith MBE, Patrice Evra, David James and Lianne Sanderson will make their Soccer Aid debuts.

Elsewhere the returning stars include Yaya Toure, Wes Brown, Katie Chapman, Robbie Keane, Olly Murs, Kem Cetinay, Marvin Humes and Joe Wicks.

More names are expected to be announced shortly.

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