England and World XI went head-to-head once more on Sunday night as Soccer Aid returned for the 11th year. Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the world's biggest celebrity football match, raising money to give kids the best possible start in life.
Since its creation in 2006, by singer Robbie Williams and his friend Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid has raised more than £60 million for UNICEF, which helps to provide aid to children worldwide. The former Take That star returned for the star-studded event at the home of West Ham.
He remained off the pitch but performed his classic hit 'Angels' at half time as England went head-to-head with the World XI FC. At full time the score was 2-2 and for the sixth time in Soccer Aid history the World XI lifted the trophy after beating England 4-1 on penalties.
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Comedian Lee Mack scored the winning penalty in another huge night of fundraising for UNICEF. Singer Tom Grennan was named man of the match, but missed England's opener in the penalty shootout as World XI took the trophy.
The shield was handed to team captain Usain Bolt by UNICEF amabassador David Beckham as the praise came pouring in for the event.
Taking to the pitch for the first time new signings for 2022 included former One Direction singer Liam Payne as captain of the England team. He was joined by The Last Leg presenter Alex Brooker, who became Soccer Aid's first disabled Soccer Aid player.
In the dugout, Harry Redknapp and Vicky McClure joined forces to manage the England team. And the Soccer Aid World XI FC team was managed by Arsène Wenger and Idris Elba.
Off-pitch UNICEF ambassador Dermot O’Leary returned as Presenter, joined by Maya Jama providing her thoughts as a pundit. And former footballer Alex Scott returned as pitch-side reporter.
Robbie announced shortly after full-time that a record £15.6million had been raised. Donations will continue to be accepted until Friday July 29.
