sport news Gallagher, Manford, Kay, Carragher and Carrick at star-studded gala bash for ... trends now

Jamie Carragher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady are a powerful force when they get together and not just in the Sky Sports studio or on the pitch.

The trio exchanged the Premier League for staging a star-studded charity gala bash at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground on Thursday to raise £350,000 for disadvantaged young people.

It was a power-play from Liverpool legend Carragher and the team behind the crusading charity Football for Change.

The red carpet was heaving with the great and good of English football and showbiz in a testament to the pulling power of football and its ability to make a difference.

Actors Claire Sweeney and Ryan Thomas, Love Island’s Jacques O’Neill were among those spotted rubbing shoulders with Coleen Rooney, former Manchester United player and coach, Michael Carrick, ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid winger, now pundit, Steve McManaman, and TV personality Vernon Kay.

Despite playing a key part in the development of Football for Change and the gala evening, which is supported by MailOnline, Alexander-Arnold and Coady missed out on the party because they are on duty with England, preparing for the Three Lions encounter with Italy on Friday.

‘It is not easy for people right now,’ Carragher told Sportsmail from the red carpet outside Old Trafford. ‘It is never easy for kids from a working-class background.

‘A lot of ex and current players up and down the country are coming together recognising we are fortunate and creating a charity to make a real difference. I am sure if anyone was in our position they would give back, too. We have to give back, particularly with the state we find the country in at the moment.’

Carragher is the chairman and the energy behind the organisation, which is building a high-profile movement – and a considerable pot of money – to help youngsters in deprived areas into jobs and education.