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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

Who is Martin Compston in Soccer Aid 2021 and why is he in the World XI team?

Soccer Aid returns tonight for its 10th year with a whole host of famous faces taking part.

But you may be wondering who Martin Compston is, who is part of this year's Soccer Aid World XI FC line-up against England.

The event is taking place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and is being broadcast live by ITV.

So, who is Martin Compston? And why is he not playing for England?

Martin in Line of Duty (BBC)

Viewers should recognise the actor for his major part in BBC One's Line of Duty - where he plays character DI Steve Arnott.

For the role he puts on an incredible English accent, but he's actually from Scotland.

The 37-year-old also recently starred in new BBC drama Vigil too, where he plays HMS Vigil worker Craig Burke.

Before his acting career, he was actually a professional footballer, starting out as a youth player with Aberdeen as a teen.

When he left school, he signed for his local professional club, Greenock Morton.

Martin has taken part in the charity match in 2018 and again in 2019.

Soccer Aid raises money for UNICEF to help give children all over the world a happy, healthy childhood.

Last year, a record £9.3 million was raised.

But in 2021, they're hoping to raise more money than ever with every donation and the value of every ticket sale doubled, up to £6.3 million, with the support of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

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