The lives of football fans have been fundamentally changed for the worst by COVID-19, but thankfully, football’s authority figures are taking it upon themselves to help cushion the blow.FIFA 20 has become a place of solace for football fans the world over, and there has been an admirable effort from professional clubs to organise online matches for their fans’ enjoyment.Leyton Orient kicked things off with their ‘Quaranteam’ competition, which saw fans and players representing their clubs in online play. Wolves ran out winners, if you’re wondering.And to ensure that we don’t have to go without any football entertainment while we’re all stuck at home, the Football Association have decided to get in on the act.For our enjoyment, they have recruited a group of 16 top England internationals to participate in a brand-new FIFA 20 tournament called ‘The #FootballsStayingHome Cup’.Big names from the men’s senior and under-21 squads will be participating, as well as a talented trio from the England women’s side – Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs and Ellie Roebuck.
The senior men’s cast includes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, Callum Wilson, James Maddison, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham.And if that line-up wasn’t enough to tempt you, Young Lions stars like Reiss Nelson, Todd Cantwell, Max Aarons, Eddie Nketiah and Ryan Sessegnon will also be taking part.The tournament represents part of the FA’s broader #FootballsStayingHome initiative, which seeks to both reiterate the vital Government advice, and raise awareness for a great cause.
Specifically, the tournament will shine a spotlight on the National Emergencies Trust, which raises and distributes money to important charities during the coronavirus outbreak.
So, if you’ve ever felt curious about who might be the Three Lions’ best FIFA 20 player, and if want to support a great initiative in these troubled times, there’s no reason not to give this a look.
The tournament will begin tomorrow (10 April) at 5pm, and you’ll be able to catch all the action across the England national side’s Twitter and YouTube channels.