Why Mark Wright isn’t playing in Soccer Aid? Former TOWIE star absent from latest England squad after starring in past

Mark Wright has become a regular fixture in Soccer Aid in recent years but will not be linking up with England this weekend.

The former TOWIE star has played in the last six editions of the charity match regularly impressing in defence for the Three Lions.

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Wright's performances at Soccer Aid even saw him handed a short-term deal by Crawley in 2020 where he made his professional bow.

The 36-year-old scored in the 2-2 draw against the Rest of the World last year and even found the net in the resulting penalty shootout which England lost.

Why is Mark Wright not playing in Soccer Aid?

Wright ruled himself out of Soccer Aid 2023 at Old Trafford due to filming commitments he already has for a number of TV projects.

He said back in February: "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."

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Soccer Aid 2023: talkSPORT coverage

Soccer Aid 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 11.

It will be played at Old Trafford with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm.

talkSPORT will have exclusive commentary from Manchester with Faye Carruthers, Ian Danter and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.