England win first Soccer Aid in six attempts in nine-goal thriller as more than £15m raised for charity
- Jackson Cole, talkSPORT.com evening editor
England won Soccer Aid for the first time since 2018 with a thrilling 6-3 victory against the World XI, with millions raised for charity in the process.
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.
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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.
That match raised £15million for charity and so far £106m has been raised since Soccer Aid started in 2006.
Soccer Aid raises money for Children's Investment Fund Foundation UNICEF anddonations can be made here.
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Jill Scott captained England to victory at Stamford Bridge and spoke to talkSPORT at her pride at the win.
“I’m so happy." she said. "It’s been a great few days and I’m happy to get the win.
“There were loads. I thought Gary Cahill and Stuart Broad were very good."
It's party time for England while the World XI will have to accept their fate as runners-up.
Captain Usain Bolt even suffered a ruptured Achilles and had to be stretchered off.
He later posted a picture of himself in a protective boot and on crutches.
Their manager for the evening Pochettino was disappointed to lose and says he's ready for a return to top tier management.
When asked what's next for him after leaving Chelsea last month, Pochettino told talkSPORT: "I am full of energy, I think we finished really well.
"Now we'll wait and see what happens. In football you never know, things can happen.
"...an opportunity, we are open to listening."
When asked if he would be open to a Premier League return, he responded: "Open to football."
