England 6-3 World XI - Soccer Aid 2024 RECAP (2024)

The time has come for me to say goodbye!

I always love Soccer Aid, and once again it delivered. Nine goals, magical moments, chaotic celebrations, and to top it all off, over £15million raised.

England finally got their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2018, and it was richly deserved with Steven Bartlett starring.

England fans will be hoping that in just over a month, Harry Kane will be doing what Jill Scott did tonight - raising silverware into the air.

Thanks for joining us on what was a special night, I will see you all soon.

Adios!

This just has to be the biggest bit of quality from the night.

This picture is the definition of 'selling someone a hot dog'. Jack Grealish's assist for Ellen White's first-half tap-in was sublime.

He enticed Petr Cech in, did a cheeky ball roll past him, and squared it for White to score England's second of the night.

He rinsed Cech so badly that he needed a ticket to get back into the stadium.

It's what they call filthy tekkers...

It's clear that Robbie Williams enjoyed himself tonight.

We know he can sing, but don't forget, that man can move. You don't see manager's do this too often, do you?

Maybe it will start a trend. Enzo Maresca, if you're reading this (I know he isn't), maybe dancing in the Stamford Bridge technical area can continue next season?

I could not go any longer without talking about Steven Bartlett.

You could be mistaken for thinking the Dragons Den judge, and podcaster, was an ex-professional himself.

He grabbed two goals, showed silky skills, and also had the desire to win the ball high up the pitch.

I was thoroughly impressed, he should probably invite himself on to his podcast, and talk about his career highlights (tonight).

He definitely deserved Man of the Match.

The party has well, and truly, started...

The pictures are flying in at a rapid rate showing all the England celebrities celebrating the big moment.

My favourite of these five picture has to be Sam Thompson lifting it, you can just see his enthusiasm popping out of the photo.

You can just tell he was screaming very loudly there.

This is the moment England have waited many years for.

Just look at all the smiles on their faces, they just couldn't wait to start celebrating with the plate.

Some brilliant scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Stick to boxing, Tommy...

I think it's fair to say that Tyson Fury's younger brother is not a natural when it comes to football.

First he completely miskicks the ball, and then he rolls the ball underarm into play from a throw-in.

I'm pretty sure 90% of the people watching tonight had the same reaction as Mauricio Pochettino and Robbie Keane. It was hilarious.

I can't see a career in the sport on the horizon for him.

Just look at how much it means!

These were the scenes at Stamford Bridge the moment England beat the World XI for the first time in six years.

You can't tell me this isn't a competitive match, celebrations like these don't happen in friendlies.

Wow, what an unbelievable effort from everybody involved.

Alex Scott and Dermot O'Leary have just confirmed that Soccer Aid has raised 15,049,590 for UNICEF.

That is more than the £15m raised last year and it means that the event has raised over £100m in the 18 years it has been running.

Truly incredible.

Is that the only time I will write that headline this summer?

Well, it's official, England are the Soccer Aid 2024 winners after five years of pain.

Jill Scott, who has won a major tournament with England before, strolls up to the podium and lifts the plate above her head.

The confetti cannons go off, everyone jumps in the air, and the vibe is immaculate at Stamford Bridge.

I think it's time to play some Queen, if you catch my drift...

Alexa, play 'Three Lions' by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds.

England are about to get their hands on the Soccer Aid trophy, and it's all smiles among the camp.

We will see at least one England trophy lift this summer... maybe two?

ENGLAND HAVE FINALLY DONE IT!

Theo Walcott's poor effort is the last of the match. The whistle is blown, and the Three Lions have won Soccer Aid for the first time in six years.

It was fully deserved too, they were thoroughly the better side, specifically in the second half.

Steve Bartlett was the difference in the end for me, he can be proud of his display, as can they all.

It's come home!

Is it a sign of the summer to come?

Oh, Theo Walcott, what is that?

Walcott has played well, don't get me wrong, but he has just sent the ball on it's way to the moon.

It won't matter though.

Tony Bellew denies Steven Bartlett the hat-trick!

What a save that is from bellew, where has that come from?

Bartlett is through on goal yet again and unleashes a ferocious strike which is heading for the top corner, but Bellew flies across to deny him.

That is a save that his Everton hero, Jordan Pickford, would be proud of.

It looks like World XI know that six wins on the trot is out of reach now.

They are just stroking it around with no potency. Maybe I was wrong, maybe we have seen the last goal.

I do usually jinx it...

England hit the World XI for six!

That is just sumptious from Theo Walcott. He is fed by Karen Carney and simply lobs Tony Bellew with ease.

Now you can say for certain, there is no coming back for the World XI, they have been well beaten here at Stamford Bridge.

There will still be more goals, though. Trust me.

How many more goals are we going to get then?

My guess is two, but I'm not sure who to. I'm feeling a World XI comeback all of a sudden.

They have 10 minutes to do it...

Oh that is how you score a penalty.

Billy Wingrove is the coolest man in Stamford Bridge and he slides the ball to the Paddy McGuinness' left. He didn't even move.

Wingrove then tries his best Cristiano Ronaldo impression and does the 'Sui' celebration.

Is this game back on?

Or maybe it isn't...

Bobby Brazier throws World XI a lifeline as he takes down Patrice Evra in the area. His quick feet can not dance his way out of this one.

Billy Wingrove will take the penalty. Eden Hazard wants it, but only celebrities can take the spot-kicks in game.

Steven Bartlett does it again!

I will praise him in a second, but Tony Bellew, what are you doing?

The retired boxer is closed down by Bartlett and he fires a goal kick straight into him and the ball just trickles in.

Surely that is that now!

He's only been on the pitch a short while, but I think Steven Bartlett is the Man of the Match. For me, anyway.

He breaks free again and looks set to score, but Tony Bellew's foot does just enough to keep it at 4-2.

Moments later, Theo Walcott then curls a beautiful free-kick towards goal from a tight angle which Michael Essien clears off the line.

England are close to running rampant.

That's not a good sight to see.

I told you Usain Bolt was on a heap in the floor, and it turns out he can't get up.

The multiple Olympic Champion is stretchered off the pitch to applause. A sad end to the game for Bolt.

Robbie Williams, speaking to ITV:

Are the five years of hurt coming to an end?

That is Jerman Defoe at his very, very best. He leaves Usain Bolt in a heap on the floor, drops a shoulder in the box, and smashes the ball past Tony Bellew.

That was vintage, and all of a sudden, the World XI look in real trouble. The Three Lions are loving life.

Goals galore at Stamford Bridge.

That was nearly spectacular from Eden Hazard.

I felt like I was back in 2018 there. He cuts back, dances around a defender, and then unleashes a dangerous strike.

However, unlike many efforts in the past, this one flies past the wrong side of the post and just wide.

Of course, Tony Bellew punches the free-kick away.

No nonsense from Bellew there, he just sticks to what he knows best rather than trying to save it.

I mean, it certainly worked...

What did Steven Bartlett east for dinner, he is on smoke!

Well, we know what he ate, probably Huel...

He manages to get into space and is then wiped out on the edge of the area, and England have a free-kick in a brilliant position.

Jermain Defoe stand over it.

An instant impact from Steven Bartlett!

Wow, I'm stunned... It has taken Bartlett just seconds to score after coming on.

He sprints down the left-hand side, breaks into the box, and then squeezes the ball under Tony Bellew.

You can see how much it means, he wheels away in emphatic celebration.

I'm sure there will be a podcast special coming out tomorrow after that!

Invite me next time Gary!

Gray Cahill has just slipped and tripped over the advertising hoardings at Stamford Bridge... under no pressure.

He's OK, though, he gets himself up with a smile on his face, and then England make a few changes including Steven Bartlett, and Bobby Brazier.

Oh my word! Was that Paddy McGuinness or Jordan Pickford in goal?

It looked like the latter as he somehow keeps Usain Bolt out from point blank range, but it was actually McGuinness.

The famous presenter came on at half-time for David James, and well, he ha sbene brilliant in these early moments.

Right then, we have seen the show, and now the match is back underway.

There were some brilliant moments in that first half, and it was goals galore.

Let's hope this second period is just as entertaining.

Prior to Tom Walker's performance, Tom Hiddleston, Alex Scott, Dermot O'Leary, and Martin Compston all give inspirational speeches about UNICEF and why the money is being raised.

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of this event, but you have to remember what it's all about.

So far, over six million pounds has been raised for the charity, it's truly incredible what these events can do for children in need.

I just want to remind you all that this is no standard half-time break...

We are about to see artist Tom Walker take to the middle of the pitch and perform to the Stramford Bridge crowd.

in a way, this is giving a Super Bowl vibe, and I am here for it. I always enjoy a little show here and there.

Just want to bring this back up.

You have to give it to Mauricio Pochettino, he is showing real grace at the ground he managed Chelsea at just last month.

Deep down, it can't be easy for him, but every time I have clocked the Argentine he has been smiling.

That's what Soccer Aid does for ya!

It's fair to say, the ex-footballers have still got it.

All the goals have been scored by stars that used to play at the highest level - not surprising.

Jack Wilshere has impressed me the most, and so have the rest of the players donning the number 10 shirt.

I do find it funny seeing multiple shirts with bthe same number on, I must say.

I've never seen Mauricio Pochettino celebrate so much at Stamford Bridge...

His celebrations for the Alessandro Del Piero's goal were bigger than what we saw when Chelsea won late on against Manchester United this season.

Well, maybe I am overshooting it, but he looks happy here, doesn't he?

It had to be Ellen White, didn't it?

Going into today, a female had never netted a goal in Soccer Aid history, but White changed that today.

Yes, it was a tap-in, but that doesn't matter. I must say, Jack Wilshere has still got it, just look at his footwork in the build-up to the goal.

Silky smooth.

The whistle has been blown for the break, but I didn't want that to end.

That's one of the best halves of Soccer Aid there has ever been. Four goals, feisty challenges, and history has been made. Not bad, eh?

England haven't won this match in six years, but they got off to the perfect start through Joe Cole.

However, World XI flipped the match on its head through Eden Hazard and Alessandro Del Piero.

But Ellen White - the first female goalscorer in Soccer Aid history - levelled the match from close range.

This is a much better watch than Friday night was...

This match has been fantastic so far!

Patrice evra has just smacked a decent chance wide, and that shows why he was a defender at Manchester United.

Maybe that's a bit harsh, he did score a few in his time, but that wasn't the best effort.

Everyone wants a goal...

There have been a lot of changes so far, so lets have a look at who is now on the pitch.

England:

World XI:

It's another free-kick for the World XI, but this time it's Usain Bolt that has a go from the set-piece.

To be fair to Bolt, he does let fly of a decent strike, but unlike Hazard, he can't squeeze it past David James.

Stop that Eden Hazard, it's way too filthy!

The former Chelsea man entices Tom Hiddleston twice, before breezing past him with ease.

He has to be careful embarrassing Loki like that, remember, his brother his the God of Thunder!

Dangerous game to play...

Ellen White is the first female scorer in Soccer Aid history!

She loved scoring goals for England during her career and she has just got another one.

Jack Wilshere rinses the back line with a cheeky ball roll before playing it across goal for White to tap home.

History-maker!

I just had a chuckle, and I am about to tell you why.

I mentioned Tom Hiddleston and Marvel earlier, and as he enters the fray replacing Danny Dyer, the Avengers music blares out across the speakers.

I wasn't expecting it, so I couldn't hold in my laughter...

Oh my word, that is so close!

Usain Bolt is looking nifty tonight, and once again he comes close for the World XI.

England just can't cope with the 100m world record holders pace (funnily enough) and he gets through again, but his strike rolls agonisingly wide of the left-hand post.

So, so, close!

I bet Stuart Broad never thought he would have to race Usain Bolt.

It's fair to say, he didn't win it, even with a head start, but he manages to put off Bolt enough by the byline, before he hits the post from about two yards out.

I'm honestly not sure how that went in, but what I am sure of is that Broad just got burned for pace... unsurprisingly.

What did I just say?

And that is why Alessandro Del Piero was one of the best footballers of his generation, he is just so cool and composed.

Usain Bolt turns beautifully, burts into space, and then slides in the Italy legend to score.

Beautiful goal...

Both of these sides are going hammer and tong for this win.

It's been a chaotic first 18 minutes, with chances at both ends, and now Joe Cole brings down Sam Quek's cross beautifully, but he can't finish this time.

This will be goals galore, I'm telling you.

Eden Hazard marks his return to Stamford Bridge with a goal!

It's classic Hazard as well, a beautiful free-kick that just squeezes past David James in goal.

Some things in life are just a certainty. Grass is green, the sky is blue, and Hazard scores goals at the Bridge.

He was always going to, wasn't he?

That is a reminder that this is not a professional match...

Tom Grennan is clean through on goal and you just think he is going to score. But then he shows he is better with the microphone than his feet.

Grennan pulls the trigger and it trickles well wide...

Oh, Usain Bolt, what is that??

We know he is fast, and his he throws his leg at the ball too quickly there, and misses Eden Hazard's cross entirely.

I can't criticise him, though, I do that every week at seven a side. Don't we all?

What a start that is for England!

Joe Cole rolls back the years from the set-piece, takes the ball down, and fires it through the legs of Petr Cech.

I never thought i would see the day that Cole scored at Stamford Bridge again.

Well, thats the kind of thing Soccer Aid brings you.

I thought this was going to be friendly, butI was obviously wrong...

Patrice Evra has absolutely whalloped Tom Grennan while flying in the air.

It brings a free-kick in a good position...

Roman Kemp is playing rugby, not football! Wrong sport Roman.

The presenter sprints after Sam Thompson and just decides to wip him out before giving him a bit of lip.

Maybe next time Soccer Aid should be at Twickenham.

That would have been some start for England.

Desperate to win after so many years of losing, they nearly get off to the perfect start.

However, Tom Grennan's shooting is not quite the top hit like his music career. He blazes miles over.

Now that is a snazzy way to start the match!

Presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O'Leary countdown the final second before kick-off while on the pitch.

Imagine seeing that in the Premier League.

Just before things get underway, I thought I'd let you know Frank Lampard has returned to management.

Well, sort of.

He is in charge of the England side tonight and is the second of two former Chelsea bosses back at the Bridge.

Can he lead his side to glory?

This is a much better start than the Premier League normally gives us, in my opinion.

If you read my blogs a lot, you will know that I am not a fan of the league's anthem that greets the players before kick-off.

Well, the way the players have just entered the pitch at Stamford Bridge is levels above the top-flight's standards.

England have just sprinted out onto the turf arising from a cloud of smoke through lit-up gates.

It really is a stunning spectacle. I'm now pumped up!

Stuart Broad, former England cricketer, speaking to Mail Sport:

That's right Stuart, it's time to inspire the Three Lions!

Just listen to that crowd, they are very pleased to see both sets of players, and vice versa.

Normally when both sides enter the pitch for a match, one gets a frosty reception. Not at Soccer Aid!

Good vibes only.

We are nearly there now.

The atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge is buzzing as loudly as a wasps nest in an attic (very loudly).

The feel good factor is certainly high, and the players are now going through the motions before the ball gets rolling in 15 minutes.

They look like they are having a good time, don't you think?

The band is back together... well, sort of.

Tony Bellew and Eddie Hearn were partners during the former's boxing career, but tonight, they will have to put their friendship aside.

Eddie Hearn will don the England jersey tonight while Bellew should feature between the posts for World XI at some point.

Not quite the same gloves, Tony, but you can still throw punches... At corners.

Right at the ninth hour too, gutting.

Brazil and Real Madrid legend, Roberto Carlos, was set to take to the field tonight for the World XI. He won't now though.

He wrote on Instagram that he will not be able to make the match, but did not go into specifics.

It's a shame we won't get to see his dazzling flair.

Are there any Marvel fans among us tonight?

Well, if there are, you will know which character that actor Tom Hiddleston is most famous for playing.

That's right, Loki.

The character in Thor is known for being able to transform into any person he pleases to blend in.

Well, he will be hoping he can summon that power in real life tonight for England, and turn into Lionel Messi.

Well, this is a bit awkward...

Actually, going by this video, maybe it isn't.

Just last month, Mauricio Pochettino left the dugout at Stamford Bridge after just one season at Chelsea.

Now he is back in that same technical area in charge of the World XI. It must feel a bit weird for him, surely?

Soccer Aid usually goes one way, and it's not England's...

The World XI have won the last five Soccer Aid's in a row, three via penalties. I know right, what a shock, England losing a shootout.

Well, this year they believe they have what it takes to turn the poor run of results around.

They say that every year though.

While it's brilliant to see the celebrities battle it out, we have to remember what it's all for.

Proceeds raised tonight will be raised for UNICEF, a charity that works to aid disadvantaged children.

It's all for a great cause.

Just look at Michael Essien's face, he is buzzing to be back at the Bridge.

With an event like this, it's hard not to smile if you are involved. It's always enjoyable.

The competitiveness of the ex-pros will certainly kick in soon, though.

Of course, he starts.

Just look at that team, it's filled with talent. From top-tier DJs to comedians, and Olympic champions to Champions League winners.

There is certainly a winning mentality in that side, I mean, they have Usain Bolt, Eden Hazard, and Patrice Evra starting.

Lee Mack, though. He is the real star for me.

The nostalgia is hitting hard...

It feel like just yesterday that Eden Hazard was bamboozling Premier League defences in the blue of Chelsea.

Well, now he is back home, and will most likely be doing some damage.

It's going to be brilliant watching him in action again.

Here we go then, the England line-up is out!

Just look at that side, full of experience and enthusiasm, they stand a good chance tonight.

David James, Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere, Jill Scott, Ellen White, and Joe Cole are the former England internationals who start.

Then you have Danny Dyer in the backline, he will want to scare off the attackers, and I must say, he is nifty with his footwork too.

Retired England cricketer Stuart Broad is one of the three number eights involved. He certainly knows what it takes to win for his country.

When I said it's a star-studded cast, I meant it.

England have the likes of Theo Walcott, Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole, Jill Scott, and Jack Wilshere as their ex-pro's.

From a celebrity point of view, they have the one and only Eddie Hearn too, who let's face it, is always entertaining.

Meanwhile, in the World XI camp, they have Eden Hazard, Patrice Evra, and Michael Essien among others.

As always, they are led by Usain Bolt.

It's a day where the A-listers are out in force!

Oh it going to be such a fun evening, isn't it?

Soccer Aid is one of the funnest footballing events of the year, and that day has now arrived.

As usual, ex-footballers and celebrities will combine as the star-studded England and World XI line ups face off aty Stamford Bridge to raise money for UNICEF.

It's going to be a wonderful evening at Stamford Bridge, and I for one, cannot wait for it to begin.

So, let's get cracking, shall we?