Why Tony Bellew is playing for World XI at Soccer Aid instead of England

Tony Bellew is set to represent the World XI in Soccer Aid 2025 on Sunday and not England.

The annual charity football event will take place at Old Trafford - the home of Manchester United.

As always, England will take on the World XI with some of the biggest names from sports and the celebrity world going head-to-head to raise money for UNICEF.

Ex-world champion boxer Bellew, who captured the WBC cruiserweight title during his professional career, will represent the World XI.

Despite being born and raised in Liverpool, the 42-year-old is allowed to play for the World XI as the entry requirements for the team are not strict.

For example, former Love Island star and pro boxer Tommy Fury made his Soccer Aid debut in 2023 for the World XI despite being born in Manchester.

According to The Sun, why Bellew isn't playing for England hasn't been reported.

Tony Bellew played in goal for World XI last year. Image: Getty

Speaking ahead of last year's Soccer Aid, he explained why he chose to play in net.

"My son's a goalkeeper at Everton and has been for three years," he said.

"I just wanted to prove to him that I can do a tenth of what he can do, so I'm gonna be in goal.

"I'll be okay, I can use my feet and I'm pretty good with my hands to say the least, so I'm sure I'll be okay."

Bellew, however, could find himself in another position for this year's event as he was spotted wearing the No.9 shirt.

That means he could be deployed up front, having played in goal last year.

World XI boast a goalkeeper in their ranks, with Edwin van der Sar, who won four Premier League titles with Man United, included in Peter Schmeichel's squad.

But if Bellew does play up top, then he's competing with David Trezeguet, Carlos Tevez and Robbie Keane for a spot in the side.