England have won Soccer Aid for the first time since 2018 with a thrilling 6-3 win against the World XI.
Two second-half goals from inspired substitute, podcaster and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, as well as strikes from Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott helped England to the triumph at Stamford Bridge.
The first half saw England, coached by Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams, take the lead through Joe Cole’s tidy finish.
World XI hit back through Eden Hazard’s free-kick before Alessandro Del Piero put them ahead just shy of the 20 years.
Former Lioness Ellen White made it 2-2 at half time before Bartlett put England ahead again with a left-footed effort.
Ex-England forward Defoe then made it 4-2 with a winding run and trademark finish before Bartlett got his second and England’s fifth when he charged down World XI goalkeeper Tony Bellew’s clearance.
YouTuber Billy Wingrove pulled one back for the World XI with a penalty before an expert lob by Walcott sealed England their long-awaited triumph.
England had lost the last five Soccer Aids prior to kick off, their last triumph coming on penalties at Old Trafford in 2018.
Soccer Aid raises money for Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and donations can be made here.
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News Summary:
- England win first Soccer Aid in six attempts in nine-goal thriller
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