Soccer Aid's Alex Brooker on the 'incredible' powerhouse that is Tom Grennan - 'I'm so jealous'

Virgin Radio

9 Jun 2024, 09:06

Tonight, Alex Brooker will take to the pitch at Stamford Bridge for Soccer Aid 2024, and he’s drawing inspiration from one of his teammates. 

The Last Leg star has been a firm fixture for the Soccer Aid England team since 2018, and this year will join the likes of Bobby Brazier, Jill Scott (captain), Paddy McGuinness (celebrity goalkeeper), Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Sir Mo Farah and Sam Thompson. 

England’s 2024 Soccer Aid team will be coming up against Usain Bolt’s Soccer Aid World XI side. Joining their captain will be Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Gladiators star Diamond. 

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Speaking about his preparations for the game, Alex revealed he had taken some inspiration from his teammate and singer, Tom Grennan, who also performed at the halftime show last year.

“I don’t know how Tom had the energy,” Alex told virginradio.co.uk. 

“He’s not just on the pitch, just knocking about and doing a little jog here and there. He runs. He was just honestly one of the fittest people I’ve ever seen.”

Alex admitted, “So jealous of him. He’s fit, he’s handsome, he can play football, he can sing. He’s incredible.”

The presenter continued, “He doesn’t hold back, whether he’s singing or playing football. That’s what I love about him; he’s just a really good bloke.”

This year, Frank Lampard will be joining England’s managing team for he first time, and Alex also said he was looking forward to seeing how it will change the dynamic of the team. 

“I'm just excited,” he confessed.  “I met Frank at the photo shoot we did, and he's a lovely guy. Also, of course, I love Harry Redknapp, and I love [coach] David Seaman. It’s a good group of people to have, to listen to.”

Alex added: “I think I'm quite looking forward to seeing what Frank brings to the dynamic this year.”

The  Soccer Aid World XI team won’t go down without a fight, however, with  Gladiators star Livi Sheldon, aka Diamond and former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard joining them this year. 

Alex admitted these new signings were a bit intimidating but stressed how amazing Soccer Aid was in getting people like Eden and Diamond to play for such a great cause.

“It just kind of blows my mind,” Alex said.

“It’s an incredible event for such an amazing cause… So please come out and support us. It’s going to be an amazing game, an amazing show, and the cause is the best. Hopefully this year we can take the money raised through Soccer Aid past that £100 million mark.”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge. Tune into talkSPORT with live coverage from 6pm before kick-off at 7:30pm. 

Soccer Aid 2024 will also be broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX, hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary and UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter Alex Scott.