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.
Game recognises game
David Beckham and Robbie Williams share a moment on the pitch before the game.
Rather sadly, neither will be involved once the game gets underway.
The players emerge from the tunnel
Here we go.
There’s a fantastic noise as the teams line up. Robbie Williams, the co-founder of Soccer Aid, leads the teams out.
It's Sam Matterface alongside...Love Island’s Ian Sterling in the commentary box.
The players emerge from the tunnel
Here we go.
There’s a fantastic noise as the teams line up. Robbie Williams, the co-founder of Soccer Aid, leads the teams out.
It's Sam Matterface alongside...Love Island’s Ian Sterling in the commentary box.
Five minutes until kick off
We’re about to get underway here with the 10th Soccer Aid charity match, and the first to be played at Man City’s Etihad stadium.
The Etihad nears capacity
There’s already a sizeable crowd inside the Ethiad Stadium tonight.
It may end up being just short of a full house, but expect a great noise when the players emerge from the tunnel in just over 10 minutes time.
Soccer Aid previous results
The game was last held in 2020 when the World XI won on penalties.
2006 England 2–1 Rest of The World
2008 England 4–3 Rest of The World
2010 Rest of The World 2–2 England (ROW won 7–6 on penalties)
2012 England 3-1 Rest of the World
2014 Rest of the World 4-2 England
2016 England 3-2 Rest of the World
2018 England 3-3 Rest of the World (England won 4-3 on penalties)
2019 Rest of the World 2-2 England (ROW won 3-1 on penalties)
2020 Rest of the World 2-2 England (ROW won 4-3 on penalties)
Former Man City stars set to feature at Etihad Stadium
There will be some home favourites in action at the Etihad tonight.
Former Cityzens Pablo Zabaleta, Nigel De Jong, Shay Given, David James and Shaun Wright-Phillips are in action on the pitch.
While Micah Richards and Sven-Goran Eriksson are in the dugout for the England XI.
Paddy McGuinness and Roman Kemp miss out
Paddy McGuinness and Roman Kemp are missing for tonight’s game.
The Top Gear presenter has a leg injury, while the Capital FM DJ has contracted Covid.
McGuinness said: “Gutted! For the first time ever I’m having to pull out of Soccer Aid due to injury.
“Tore my lateral meniscus and it’s not something that can be sorted with the magic sponge.
“Good luck to both teams today and if you’ve got tickets you’re in for a great day for a great cause.”
Soccer Aid record: England XI 5-4 World XI
England currently have the edge on the World (Rest of the World) XI, winning five of the nine encounters.
But the World XI have own the last two at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford - both on penalties after 2-2 and 1-1 draws.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies