‘Taking it incredibly seriously’ – Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury to co-manage England at Soccer Aid

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Tyson Fury has more than proved his credentials in a boxing ring, but how might he fare in the dugout at Old Trafford?

Well, wonder no more as 'The Gypsy King' will co-manage England alongside Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney at this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF.

Rooney and Fury will manage England at this year's Soccer Aid

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Rooney and Fury will manage England at this year's Soccer AidCredit: Soccer Aid

The match will be played on June 15 at Old Trafford and you can listen to all the action unfold live on talkSPORT.

It is an extra special occasion for Fury, who retired from boxing in January, given he is a United fan.

And the former WBC heavyweight champion refused to rule out substituting himself into the contest.

“Tyson Fury: ENGLAND MANAGER," Fury said.

"Who would ever have thought it!? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!

"Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney! How can we lose!?

"The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”

Rooney, a self-proclaimed 'big boxing fan', described the opportunity to manage alongside Fury as 'fantastic.'

“Tyson and I are taking it incredibly seriously – we’ll put on a show for you!” Rooney added.

Also joining England is music superstar Louis Tomlinson, who makes his return to Soccer Aid eight years after his first appearance.

One Direction star Tomlinson will swap the stage for the pitch at Old Trafford

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One Direction star Tomlinson will swap the stage for the pitch at Old TraffordCredit: Getty

The former One Direction member is a keen football fan and even played for Doncaster Rovers' reserves in 2014.

This year's Soccer Aid will also play see the debuts of former Lionesses Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan, who share a combined 200 caps for England.

Meanwhile, two-time Premier League winner Joe Hart will also enjoy his first Soccer Aid bow alongside popular streamer Angry Ginge.

As for the World XI, Denmark Women's international Nadia Nadim and Leonardo Bonucci will make their Soccer Aid debuts.

Bonucci, who helped Italy beat England to Euro 2020 glory, is already relishing the prospect of facing some of his former rivals at Old Trafford.

"I’ve heard so much about this great event over the years, so I’m really happy to finally make my contribution to this great cause," Bonucci said.

Bonucci can't wait to come up against the likes of Rooney and Scholes on June 15

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Bonucci can't wait to come up against the likes of Rooney and Scholes on June 15Credit: GETTY

"Thank you to Robbie Williams for the invitation! I’ll do everything I can to make things difficult for some of my great rivals – in particular: Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes!

"I am so looking forward to seeing the Theatre of Dreams full of passionate fans. I know it’s a charity game – but I want to win, badly!

"I just hope I don’t make Tyson Fury too angry in the process!”

Fans will also be treated to a half-time show, with the entertainment acts to be confirmed in due course.

Since the event's inception in 2006, over £106million has been raised for UNICEF and that figure will no doubt climb even higher following this year's event.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday June 15 at Old Trafford. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

Confirmed names for Soccer Aid 2025

England: Tyson Fury (Co-Manager); Wayne Rooney (Co-Manager & Player); Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager); Vicky McClure (Co-Manager); David James (Goalkeeper Coach); Joe Hart (Professional Goalkeeper); Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper); Gary Neville; Paul Scholes; Jermain Defoe; Jill Scott; Steph Houghton; Toni Duggan; Tom Grennan; Sam Thompson; Sam Quek; Steven Bartlett; Sir Mo Farah; Louis Tomlinson; Angry Ginge and UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter, Alex Brooker

World XI (more names to be announced): Leonardo Bonucci; Kaylyn Kyle; Nadia Nadim and Diamond (Livi Sheldon)

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