Soccer Aid LIVE: Defoe, Angry Ginge and Joe Marler star in England’s win over World XI | OneFootball

FULL TIME! England 3-2 World XI

That’s it! England hold off a late World XI fightback to win. After Damson Idris scored the only goal of the first half, Jermaine Defoe scored two chips to put England 3-0 up. But World XI rallied with goals from Michael Essien and Tim Cahill, with England requiring key blocks and saves from player of the match Angry Ginge and goalkeeper Joe Marler, who denied Nemanja Matic and Jordi Alba, to get over the line.

Marler reveals it’s the “biggest buzz I’ve had in 10 years and I only retired [from rugby] 18 months ago”.

(Getty)

England 3-2 World XI

88 mins: This would have been some way to win it! Wayne Rooney curls a free-kick narrowly wide.

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:42

England 3-2 World XI

84 mins: Chance for Theo Walcott on the counter-attack! He beats Chris O’Dowd to the ball but pokes the finish wide. He is caught by the goalkeeper after getting the shot away, but the referee waves away the appeals for a penalty!

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:41

GOAL! England 3-2 World XI

83 mins: Tim Cahill has pulled another back for World XI! The former Australia striker beats Angry Ginge to the cross and powers his header under Joe Marler.

World XI's Tim Cahill scores their side's second goal of the game during Soccer Aid for UNICEF (PA)

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:38

England 3-1 World XI

81 mins: Lukas Podolski hits a thunderous volley against the bar! Ooft he hit that. Then, Jordi Alba tests Joe Marler with another shot from range. World XI are piling on the pressure...

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:37

England 3-1 World XI

78 mins: Joe Marler makes amends! He gets down low to save another long-range shot from a former Chelsea midfielder, this time Nemanja Matic.

Wayne Rooney is coming back on for the final 15 minutes - replacing Jack Wilshire.

(AFP/Getty)

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:33

GOAL! England 3-1 World XI

A thunderous strike from Michael Essien beats Joe Marler! The goalkeeper got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out. Essien has a fine record from range, and found the power.

It’s his last action: former Italy defender Leanardo Bonucci is on. Usain Bolt urges his team forward, sensing a comeback. They have 15 more minutes.

Jamie Braidwood31 May 2026 20:30