Strong QPR Representation in PFA's "England Legends Squad" for the 'Match of the Century'

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PFA

Coached by ex-QPR's Terry Venables, the "England Legends" squad includes six players who spent tie at QPR: Chris Woods, Paul Parker, Les Ferdinand, Steve Hodge, Warren Barton and Paul Walsh.

THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD

Goalkeepers:
Chris Woods, Dave Beasant

Defenders:
Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn

Midfielders:
Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne

Forwards:
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis

PFA - By Dave Smith 30-10-07

The countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
Because in Manchester this lunchtime, the illustrious managers of the two teams - England Legends and the Rest of the World XI - have announced their squad lists for the game on December 2...100 years on from when the PFA was born.
Terry Venables (England) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (R of W) have managed some big name players during their time at the top of the managerial profession, but never have they brought together such a glittering array of world class, international stars.
The list of players vying for a place in the starting XIs for the Match of the Century at the City of Manchester Stadium in just over a month's time reads like a veritable who's who of world greats.
For England, the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer (skipper), Des Walker, Ian Wright and Chris Waddle will all be banging on manager Venables' door stating their respective cases to play a significant part in what is sure to be a magnificent occasion.
Whichever eleven Tel decides to start with, they will certainly have their work cut out against a Rest of the World team boasting such global stars as Gianfranco Zola (skipper), Marcel Desailly, Neville Southall, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ruud Gullit, amongst many others.
The response from the players approached to take part in this particular celebration of the PFA's centenary has been nothing short of phenomenal and is a clear indication of the high esteem in which this organisation is held, not just in this country but worldwide.
Terry Venables, a stanuch supporter of our association, said: "The PFA is a magnificent organisation and it is only right that we celebrate 100 years of history with an occasion of this stature.
"The fact that they want to use this, their Centenary Year, to raise £1 million to help young children, is typical of the association and I am delighted and proud to be able to play a small part in helping them reach their goal. It will be an exciting afternoon and the calibre of players on display should ensure that it is an occasion fitting of such a worthwhile event.
"The only problem I am having is trying to fit everyone into my team, the response has been phenomenal – only wish I had such talent available to me when I was in charge of the full England team! Sven will pick a team of world stars but it is up to us to try and put one over on him in his own back yard. It will be a brilliant occasion."
The game will play a significant role in the PFAs quest to raise £1 million in this, their Centenary Year. The money will be used to fund a new Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Unit for Children at the University Childrens Hospital in Manchester.
Sven said: "It is an honour to be invited and I am delighted to be able to give something back to the city that has made me feel so welcome.
"The PFA does fantastic work and raise thousands of pounds for good causes. There can be none better than the Childrens Unit they are trying to build in Manchester through their 'One Goal, One Million charity.
he countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
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"It will be strange managing a team against England. Maybe I will able to use some of my knowledge of their players to help the Rest of the World."

* Here's the full list of players who have so far confirmed they will be available to play - and there may still be one or two more surprises...

THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD

Goalkeepers:

Chris Woods, Dave Beasant

Defenders:

Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn

Midfielders:

Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne

Forwards:

Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis



THE REST OF THE WORLD SQUAD

Goalkeepers:

Neville Southall (Wales), Erik Thorstvedt (Norway)

Defenders:

Roland Neilson (Sweden), Marcel Desailly (France), Pietro Vierchowod (Italy), Lorenzo Amaruso (Italy), Richard Gough (Scotland), Arthur Numan (Netherlands), Denis Irwin (Republic of Ireland)

Midfielders:

Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Roberto Di Matteo (Italy), Ali Benarbia (Algeria), Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia), Anders Limpar (Sweden), Gary McAllister (Scotland), Neil Lennon (Northern Ireland), Gus Poyet (Uruguay), John Collins (Scotland), Dmitri Alenichev (Russia)

Forwards:

Gianfranco Zola (Italy), Ruud Gullitt (Netherlands), Ian Rush (Wales), Guiseppe Signori (Italy), Niall Quinn (Republic of Ireland), Ally McCoist (Scotland), Shaun Goater (Bermuda), Sergei Yuran (Russia)

* The match itself will kick-off at 1.30pm on Sunday December 2nd at The City of Manchester Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. Tickets, however, are still available - Tel: 0870 062 1894 (Option 1, a £1 booking fee applies)

PFA