Liam Payne works up a sweat while training for Soccer Aid – preparing to captain the England team

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is back this Sunday as a host of celebrities take to the field to raise money for charity.

And as captain of the England squad, Liam Payne went to work on his skills on Friday while training at Champneys Tring Resort – about an hour outside of London.

The 28-year-old joined his famous teammates such as Tom Grennan, Chunkz, Alex Brooker, Damian Lewis and Mark Wright before practice day.

Wearing a red and black UNICEF strip, Liam added a pair of white Puma football socks with orange and black ombre shoes.

He appeared in the zone doing some keepie-ups with the ball, before donning a neon green vest as the team split in two to practice against each other.

And the singer didn’t hold any prisoners, slipping out of the way of Stuart Downing as he tried to score a goal.

Liam made sure they were well prepared and also took the time to stretch out on the grass alongside Russell Howard, Damian Lewis and Tom Grennan.

Liam previously spoke of his enthusiasm for the event, sharing: ‘It doesn’t get much better than England captain in Soccer Aid while raising money for UNICEF.’

“I can’t believe I get to run onto the field with some of my heroes while raising money for such a good cause. It is an honor to be given the captaincy and I am determined to lead us to victory,” he assured.

Alex Brooker also appeared in good spirits for the day, as the journalist jumped for joy as he stood on the field and raised a fist.

While Chunkz appeared to be working up a sweat, splashing water on his face as he paused, Mark Wright showed his football history as he took it in his stride.

The team’s new manager, Harry Redknapp, also sprang into action, laughing and pointing to the pitch with Jamie Carragher.

England have been without a win since 2018 Soccer Aid, with Harry jumping to England after winning his last three games with World XI.

And the England team wasn’t alone in getting the training, as Harry’s previous team, World XI, also made sure they were prepared for Sunday’s game.

Captain Usain Bolt packed his rounds as he raced across the field on Sunday donning the dark black and gray World XI UNICEF football strip.

Usain’s performance in the capital on Sunday comes ten years after his gold medal performance at the 2012 Olympics.

He was joined by the likes of Idris Elba, Robbie Keane, Lee Mack and Mo Gilligan as they gave a fierce demonstration.

The glitzy event – to be held at London Stadium on Sunday 12 June – aims to raise money for the UNICEF charity, helping the world’s most underprivileged children.