LOUIS Tomlinson displayed “playground mentality” towards love rival Sam Thompson during Soccer Aid training.
It comes after Sun revealed yesterday that the former Made in Chelsea star, 32, had been ruled out of playing in this year’s match where he was due to play on the same team as Louis, 33.
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Sam was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33, who is now dating his ex Zara McDermott.
The former couple split in December, with Zara quickly moving on with Louis.
The two men were both due to take part in Soccer Aid tomorrow, but it was revealed exclusively by The Sun yesterday that the I’m A Celeb champ had pull out due to injury.
However, before Sam was forced to quit, he was he was pictured training with Louis this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams have been preparing for the match.
read more on Sam Thompson
After looking at the pictures in detail, a body language expert believes that Louis displayed a “playground mentality” towards Sam on the pitch.
Expert Judi James said that while Sam was smiling and happy, and get along with the other players, One Direction star Louis seemed “glum” and “separate”.
She told The Mail: ‘There seems to be more of a playground dynamic growing from the body language here.
“Sam seems to be very much part of the core group, sitting central and being the center of their attention while Louis walks by looking glum at times and rather peripheral to the social interaction.
“As the guys club around Sam, who looks deep in the discussion, Louis seems to glance over with a rather hard-looking stare.
“His eye direction might not be exclusively aimed at Sam, but he does seem to be checking the group out with an unsmiling facial expression.”
Continuing she said: “When the two men meet on the pitch there is an unsmiling, reflective-looking gaze from Louis.
“This shouldn’t be over-dramatized into any form of specifically directed ‘hard stare’ as his eye direction does not seem to be aimed directly at Sam, but there could be seen to be a hint of some kind of ‘atmosphere’ brewing here.
“With his hands on his hips, Louis does look really down and perhaps rather uncomfortable.”
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SAM QUITS SOCCER AID
Meanwhile, yesterday The Sun exclusively revealed how Sam was no longer able to take part on Soccer Aid tomorrow.
The popular star pulled out due to injuries sustained in his epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike.
A source told us: “Sam is gutted he can’t play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts.
“He’s still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won’t be able to compete on the field.”
They added: “There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse.
“Their every move will be watched so it’s a relief in some ways they won’t be on the pitch together.”
Sam will play a “ceremonial role” in tomorrow’s match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands.
Soccer Aid kicks off tomorrow night at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX
England team and coaching staff
Here is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…
Team:
- Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)
- Alex Brooker (TV personality)
- Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)
- Toni Duggan (Former footballer)
- Angry Ginge (YouTuber)
- Tom Grennan (Musician)
- Bear Grylls (TV personality)
- Joe Hart (Former footballer)
- Steph Houghton (Former footballer)
- Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)
- Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)
- Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)
- Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)
- Gary Neville (Former footballer)
- Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)
- Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
- Paul Scholes (Former footballer)
- Jill Scott (Former footballer)
- Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
- Louis Tomlinson (Musician)
- Michael Carrick (Former footballer)
- Phil Jagielka (Former footballer)
- Roman Kemp (Radio host)
- Jack Wilshere (Former footballer)
- Bella Ramsey (Actor)
Coaches:
- Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
- Tyson Fury (Boxer)
- Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)
- Vicky McClure (Actor)
- Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)