Soccer Aid LIVE: Result and latest reaction as Kem Cetinay helps World XI past England at Etihad Stadium
The Love Island star and Lee Mack scored as Harry Redknapp’s side overcame Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions
The Rest of the World XI beat England 3-0 in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021 charity match at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
England were managed by former national team boss Sven-Goran Eriksson and captained by Wayne Rooney, with Harry Redknapp helping take charge of the World XI.
Both teams - which included a mix of celebrities and other famous names such as Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt - took the knee before kick-off, applauded by the Etihad Stadium crowd.
In the 10th minute, World XI captain Bolt was pulled back by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on the edge of the box, conceding a free-kick which Dutchman Clarence Seedorf rattled against the crossbar.
England threatened with long-range efforts from freestyler Harriet Pavlou before reality television star Mark Wright, who had a spell with Crawley last season, fired over.
Bolt shot into the side netting after being played in one-on-one against England goalkeeper David James, while at the other end singer-songwriter James Bay was also off target after being picked out by Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The second half saw celebrities go in goal, with presenter Ore Oduba sent on for the World XI while Joel Dommett, host of The Masked Singer TV show, stood in for England, with Paddy McGuinness out injured and Roman Kemp unavailable after a positive Covid test
Presenter Stephen Mulhern was then introduced as England’s ‘Masked Winger’, but - still in his bulky costume - was soon shown a yellow card for clattering into Darren Fletcher.
Dutchman Nigel de Jong saw his cross drop through the box and onto the far post before World XI took the lead in the 51st minute as Love Island’s Kem Cetinay sent a slow effort goalwards from 20 yards - which rolled past Dommett’s miss kick and on into the net.
Mulhern was physically carried off as Sir Mo Farah came on, with 2020 Olympic champion Max Whitlock also another substitute. Farah, though, appeared to soon pull a muscle and limped off.
Oduba saved from Rooney and fellow former England international Joe Cole before Cetinay added a second goal with a low finish into the corner after being played onside by Bay with 15 minutes left.
Jamie Carragher sent Rooney clear late on, but England’s all-time record scorer blazed over.
Comedian Lee Mack missed two good chances before eventually tapping home a third for the World XI in the final minute.
Following the match, it was announced the event had raised a record £13,014,769, the most in the 10-year history of Soccer Aid.
55’ - Chunkz is on!
Can the YouTube star make amends for last year’s penalty miss?
GOAL! England 0-1 World XI
It’s an absolute clanger from Dommett who completely missed a daisy-cutter with his boot.
Kem is credited with the ‘shot’, although that’s a rather kind description. World XI lead after 50 minutes.
49’ - Mulhurn v Fletcher
Stephen Mulhern is on as the masked winger, and has immediately been booked for a challenge on United legend Darren Fletcher.
Moments later, Nigel De Jong hits the foot for Dommett’s post.
Still 0-0.
We’re back underway
The World XI kick-off for the second half.
Both sides have now changed their goalkeepers, so here’s hoping we get some goals this half.
Here comes Joel Dommett
The comedian will replace David James in the England goal for the second half.
He isn't exactly exuding confidence ahead of his Soccer Aid debut...
Beckham impressed with Grennan
UNICEF ambassador David Beckham talks to Dermot O’Leary about the game so far. Unsurprisingly, he gives a name check to World XI defender - and singer - Tom Grennan.
Speaking about the importance of Soccer Aid, Beckham adds, “I've been lucky enough to see what tonight does, and how many lives it changes.”
Wright pockets Roberto Carlos
It’s a wonderful tackle from Crawley Town’s Mark Wright to stop Carlos in his tracks.
Remind us which is the legendary Left-back again?
Half time - an even game but World XI should be ahead
It was a pretty competitive half for the most part, but the World XI will feel that they had the best opportunities to break the deadlock.
Seedorf hit the post early on, while Bolt couldn't convert when played in on goal.
The second half sees the return of the celebrity keepers - so don't expect the scoreline to stay like this for too much longer.
Half time - England 0 - 0 World XI
The referee blows the whistle for half-time, much to the relief of the exhausted players.
Just before the the break, Wayne Rooney squandered an opportunity on the counter, as Usain Bolt fulfilled his defensive responsibilities to hold him up.
Expect a raft of changes for the second half.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments