Soccer Aid result: Rest of the World beat England on penalties in charity game at Old Trafford
Celebrities and former players lined up together to raise funds for Unicef
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Your support makes all the difference.Celebrities and former players lined up in the annual Soccer Aid charity match on Sunday as an England side fell to a Rest of the World outfit on penalties.
The game, which raised more funds for Unicef than any previous edition of the event, saw former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney managing the England team while the Rest of the World were coached by Harry Redknapp.
Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane opened the scoring early in the second half after a drab opening period, but England immediately fired back through comedian Yung Filly. A penalty shootout ensued, with musician Chunkz missing the decisive spot-kick as Rest of the World lifted the Soccer Aid trophy. Re-live all the updates below:
Wayne Rooney announces England’s starting XI, have a watch:
England: David James, John Bishop, Wes Brown, John Terry, Mark Wright, Gareth Barry, Katie Chapman, Kelly Smith, Olly Murs, Tom Davis, Danny Jones
Harry Redknapp has the honour of naming the World XI, here he is:
Comedian Mo Gilligan is given the armband.
Soccer Aid has been around since 2006. It was thought up by entertainers Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes and initially took place every two years until 2018 when it became an annual event.
There have been eight matches in that time and the charity has raised £38 million for children around the world.
The event gets going at 6:30pm, here’s how to watch the action and donate:
How to watch Soccer Aid charity fixture online and on TV tonight
England take on the Rest of the World at Old Trafford to raise funds for Unicef
Of the eight games played in Soccer Aid’s history, England have won the most. Five wins compared to the World XI’s three.
On three occasions the match has finished in a draw and gone to penalties in 2010, 2018 and 2019. When the games have been decided by penalties the World XI has the advantage winning two, including last year’s match, compared to England’s one.
Though being England that’s hardly surprising is it.
A look behind the scenes at the England team’s practice. Big Tom Davis is ready:
Soccer Aid for Unicef is the biggest celebrity football match in the world. The idea behind it is to give kids the best possible start in life, but this year coronavirus is disrupting everything, everywhere.
Babies and young children are missing vital vaccines and life in regions of disaster is even tougher. So much so that a whole generation of kids are in danger.
So, every £1 you donate becomes £3 – up to £3 million – until 6 Oct 2020, thanks to the UK government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.
Dermot O’Leary and Kirsty Gallacher are hosting this year’s event. Robbie Williams will be providing the half-time entertainment.
England assistant manager, Wayne Rooney, on how coronavirus has affected the preparation of the team:
"It’s been great coming in and seeing some former teammates and people you don’t see that often. The enivronment is obviously different with all the rules of Covid and staying in that bubble. But in some ways it brings everyone a bit closer. It’s been great and I’m looking forward to the game."
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