The count down is well and truly on to one of the highlights of the annual fundraising calendar as Soccer Aid returns.
England will once again take on a World XI with both sides fielding a mix of legendary footballers and celebrities.
There are plenty of North East interests to keep us glued to the box and here are some of them in our gallery of photos from the past, including Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Jordan North.
Soccer Aid is in its 20th year and raises vital funds for UNICEF’s work supporting children around the world. It first started in 2006 when it was founded by Robbie Williams and this year’s event at the London Stadium will be shown on ITV1.
To find out more about the event and how you can support it, visit https://www.socceraid.org.uk/
9. Joe Marler
Joe Marler of Harlequins looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins at Kingston Park in 2021. He is making his Soccer Aid debut as an England goalkeeper (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
10. Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill of Millwall celebrates after the FA Cup Semi Final match between Sunderland and Millwall in 2004. He is also in the Soccer Aid World team. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) | Getty Images
11. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal for Manchester United against Sunderland in 2015. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) | Getty Images