LONDON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - British ⁠Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to host his ⁠Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at a soccer match on ‌Wednesday, giving the leaders a chance to bond over their shared affection for Everton, one of England's most historic clubs.

Burnham became prime minister in July, ​and in his first call with Carney ⁠two days later promised ⁠to "roll out the blue carpet" — a reference to Everton's blue kit — and ⁠host ‌the Canadian premier at a game.

The leaders will hold bilateral talks in Liverpool before the match, likely ⁠to cover their shared aims to seek closer ​ties with Europe, ‌a strong NATO defence alliance and growth in trade.

After that, ⁠for 90 ​minutes their shared aim will be for Everton to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of England's League Cup.

Everton, a founding ⁠member of the Football League in 1888, ​are one of the most storied teams in English soccer. Despite going over three decades without a major trophy, they have ⁠the fifth most league wins in the country, with nine.

Burnham has spoken about his lifelong support for Everton, going to matches since he was a child in the 1970s, and he ​has continued to go to games when ⁠possible as prime minister.

Carney has said cousins in Liverpool fuelled his ​Everton fandom, and has previously attended ‌Everton matches — especially while living in ​Britain during a seven year stint as Bank of England governor.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James)