ENGLAND 6-3 WORLD XI: England have claimed the Soccer Aid title for the first time 2018 on what was a thoroughly entertaining evening at Stamford Bridge that saw millions raised for charity
Ah, Soccer Aid, where Eden Hazard can score on an emotional Stamford Bridge return and Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett can net a brace past Tony Bellew to end England‘s long losing run.
Over £15million was raised on a thoroughly entertaining evening as England secured their first title in six years. Frank Lampard‘s side were given the perfect start to do that by ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole.
A free-kick from the right found its way to the former midfielder, who took a touch to control before firing through Petr Cech’s legs. Another Chelsea icon then took centre stage again – and it was only going to be one man. After Danny Dyer had scythed down Usain Bolt, Hazard claimed a free-kick just outside of the area.
He took aim and curled the ball into the top corner to signal his emotional return to Stamford Bridge with a goal. Things then got even better as ex-Juventus and Italy star Alessandro Del Piero thundered home a Bolt cross.
While the Italian’s finish saw him display his predatory instinct once again, the same could be said of Ellen White’s equaliser. The former Lioness was on the spot to tap home from yards out after Jack Wilshere had danced away from Cech. She became the first female goalscorer in Soccer Aid history in the process.
With half-time seeing a host of changes – and the pro goalkeepers swapped for the celebrities – England took full advantage. Bartlett ran through unchallenged and fired through the legs of Bellew to put England in charge for the first time since the opening stages.
It then got even better as the professionals showed their celebrity teammates how it was done. Former Spurs star Jermain Defoe picked up the ball, shook off Bolt – who picked up an injury that saw him taken off on a stretcher – and fired a brilliant effort home.
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England then put one hand on the trophy. Bartlett charged down Bellew as he attempted a clearance. The ball smacked him on the side and trickled over the line and into the net. The former boxer appealed for handball but the goal was given.
Just as England extended their advantage to three, the World XI found a route back into the game. Bobby Brazier dragged down Patrice Evra, seeing a penalty awarded.
Hazard wanted to claim the spot-kick but due to Soccer Aid rules, he wasn’t allowed. YouTuber Billy Wingrove stepped up and gave his side some hope.
Theo Walcott then put the icing on the cake for England. Only recently retired, he was played through by Karen Carney and lifted the ball over Bellew to finally, finally end England’s long wait for another Soccer Aid trophy.
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