LONDON — Some of England's leading players will go head-to-head from their living rooms over Easter as part of a new FIFA 20 tournament launched by the FA on Thursday.
With real action suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, players will find themselves in limbo over the holiday weekend — usually one of the most intense times of the season when leagues are nearing their climax.
The #FootballsStayingHome Cup kicks off on Friday, with the 16 players including Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, Liverpool's Trent Alexander Arnold and Olympique Lyonnais defender Lucy Bronze set to battle it out on the popular video game.
Some BIG matches coming up in the #FootballsStayingHome Cup Round of 16 tomorrow night!
Who are you backing to win the tournament? pic.twitter.com/3ydrwFTgop— England (@England) April 9, 2020
Fans can follow the action on the FA's Twitter and YouTube channels from 1600GMT on Friday with commentary provided by leading esports commentators Brandon Smith and Richard Buckley.
Other players include Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, Callum Wilson, James Maddison, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, Todd Cantwell and Ryan Sessegnon.
The competition, which will run into next week, hopes to raise awareness for the National Emergencies Trust which is providing help to charities and foundations assisting those most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Christian Radnedge)
