Legends Including Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho Set to Feature in Over-35s World Cup

  

A star-studded over-35s World Cup is set to take place this summer in England, featuring football legends such as Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Michael Owen. Organized by the Elite Players Group (EPG), the tournament, known as the EPG Cup, will involve eight teams representing past FIFA World Cup champions: England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay.

Participation in the tournament is reserved for players over the age of 35 who have been capped by their country or have made 100 top-flight appearances. The captains of each country are founders of the EPG, a group comprising elite former footballers and sports businessmen.

The England squad, captained by Steve McManaman, will feature iconic players such as Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard, and Robbie Fowler. 

Similarly, Brazil's lineup boasts legends like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo, while Germany's team, led by Kevin Kuranyi, aims to enlist former Real Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.

Other notable players set to participate include David Villa, Carles Puyol, and Michel Salgado for Spain, and Diego Forlan and Diego Lugano for Uruguay.

The tournament, featuring seven matches, is scheduled to take place at the beginning of June, between the Champions League final and the start of Euro 2024. Games will be played 11-a-side with over 70 minutes duration and rolling substitutes.