Bitterly disappointed Soccer Aid fans react as they realise Jonathan Wilkes won't be playing

It's that time once again

With a major football tournament looming, another England team are preparing to take on a Rest of the World XI - all in the name of charity.

12 years on from the first ever Soccer Aid, Sam Allardyce takes charge of an England side made up of ex-pros and celebrities for a special match at Old Trafford. As ever, all money raised will be going to UNICEF.

Robbie Williams, the man responsible for organising the event, will captain the England side and is also part of the team's management.

However, as is usually the case, his close friend Jonathan Wilkes will not feature in this year's game - a point that many who will be watching have only just realised...

Where's the mighty Jonathan Wilkes?! — Gaz Tomlinson (@gaztommo1) June 7, 2018

Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes must have fallen out! 🤔 https://t.co/QFZioeIXDw — Jack Maleham (@JackMaleham7) June 8, 2018


Mate, he's not playing in the game, Jonathan Wilkes needs to be playing or I'm boycotting Soccer Aid. — Eddie Sideburns, Certified YOSHI-HASHI/GOTO Stan. (@EddieSideburns) June 9, 2018

Is it even Soccer Aid if it doesn't involve Jonathan Wilkes?... — Gary B (@GaryBolton91) June 9, 2018

Jonathan Wilkes Aid is going to be very confusing this year, what with the lack of Jonathan Wilkes. — Michael Smith (@Mikey_Smith) June 7, 2018

Disappointing news, we're sure you'll agree.


Wilkes actually made clear he wouldn't be taking part in this year's event a few weeks back and, after close inspection of his Twitter feed (#journalism), appears to be spending his time on a cruise ship.

Gonna miss playing in this years @socceraid but hopefully I will make it for the match !! Big thank you to everybody who is taking part & especially everyone who has brought a ticket and supported us !! Thank you X pic.twitter.com/dvs6ASgdTW — Jonathan Wilkes (@Jonny_Wilkes) May 30, 2018

Without their talisman, Allardyce has instead called on the likes of former Olympian Sir Mo Farah, comediand Paddy McGuiness and former cricketer Freddie Flintoff. David Seaman, Wes Brown and Jamie Redknapp are amongst the ex-professionals in the England team.

As for the Rest of the World, they'll be fielding Clarence Seedorf, Eric Cantona and Yaya Toure. Sprinting legend Usain Bolt will also be amongst their team.

The game kicks off at 8pm on Sunday, with tickets still available from manutd.com.