Why is Mark Wright not playing at Soccer Aid 2023?
SOCCER AID 2023 is right around the corner and the game promises to be a spectacle.
However, one Soccer Aid fan favourite face is missing from the 2023 lineup. Read on to find out more.
The former TOWIE star has been a regular player on 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 a 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 to allow time to focus on his other TV opportunities.
Read more on Soccer Aid
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 will kick off at 7:30 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Old Trafford with 74,000 fans predicted to attend.
The action and all the pre-game activities will be broadcasted on ITV and you can also the game stream on the ITVX app.
What are the full Soccer Aid line-ups?
Here is the full Soccer Aid 2023 lineup:
England management: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman.
England squad: Jill Scott (Captain), David James (GK), Paddy McGuinness (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, Danny Dyer, Asa Butterfield, Tom Huddlestone and Liam Payne.
World XI management: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston, Melanie C and Robbie Keane.
World XI squad: Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (GK), Patrice Evra, Nani, Kem Cetinay, Roberto Carlos, Francessco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, Leon Edwards, Sam Claflin, Hernan Crespo, Niko, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.