SOCCER AID 2023 is just around the corner, but a fan favourite will be missing from this year’s spectacle.
TV personality Mark Wright is expected to miss the game between England and World XI at Old Trafford.
Mark Wright celebrating England’s win at Soccer Aid 2022WIREIMAGE
The former TOWIE star has been a stalwart in England’s side for the last six Soccer Aids.
Wright almost made it as a professional footballer, having been in West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham’s academies as a youngster.
He went on the make many appearances at semi-professional level before he shockingly signed for League Two outfit Crawley Town in 2021.
Why is Mark Wright not playing at Soccer Aid 2023?
Mark Wright will miss Soccer Aid 2023 as he is focusing on other TV commitments when the game takes place in June.
The 36-year-old told the Daily Mail: “On a personal level I’ve decided not to do Soccer Aid this year.
“I have done it for six years in a row now and I love it, I love the charity and would love to be involved and still raise money for Unicef.
“If I’m around I’ll maybe still watch the game, but I just need to keep myself free around that time.
“I need to let someone else have a go and maybe I’ll come back next year but for now I’m going to have a year out.
Wright also says his withdrawal from the clash with the Rest of the World has nothing to do with a reported feud with ITV chiefs, who broadcast the game.
When is Soccer Aid 2023?
Soccer Aid 2023 is taking place on Sunday, June 11.It will kick-off at 7.30pm.74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and streamed on ITVX.
What are the full Soccer Aid line-ups?
Here are the full Soccer Aid line-ups so far:
The England line-up: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the England Management Team.
Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
The Soccer Aid World XI line-up: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are part of the World XI Management Team.
Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.