England triumph over Rest of The World

It was a close call last year but this time round, Robbie Williams and his England team showed the Rest of The World how it’s done, lifting this year’s Soccer Aid trophy.

The England team were crowned champions of the bi-annual charity match, after beating the Rest of the World team 3-1.

The Rest of the World team – featuring the likes of Hollywood stars Will Ferrell, Edward Norton and Gerard Butler – took the lead through Sergio Pizzorno in the first 15 minutes.

The Kasabian musician scored a chipped finish against former England keeper David Seaman.

England eventually equalised later in the second half after Graeme Le Saux’s shot deflected off Teddy Sheringham.

They soon after took the lead when co-creator Jonathan Wilkes scored his third Soccer Aid goal with a finish from a tight angle.

Blackpool player Kevin Phillips completed the victory with a well-struck shot just outside the area.

During the match, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was stretchered off after a foul by Sheringham. Olly Murs and Roy Keane were also taken off through injury.

Robbie Williams – who before the match hinted that he may not be able to play due to a back problem – came on in the second half to witness his team win the event for a third time.

Speaking after the match, Wilkes said: “When me and Rob came up with this we never dreamt of this. Soccer Aid just gets stronger and stronger. Rob played through the pain barrier. Him coming on changed the game for us.”

Olly Murs said: “It’s a great feeling, it’s just a shame I had to come off, but I’m really happy for the whole team. It’s been amazing this year, I just loved every minute of it, I’m really chuffed. I trained all week, I had no problems. To pull off with a hamstring, I was gutted. but it was brilliant.”

Rest of the World captain Michael Sheen said: “No more boybands from now on! Let’s have UB40. But good for them, they were brilliant.”

Man of the Match Pizzorno added: “I’m proud of that one. I want to dedicate that to Tom Meighan, he’s just had a baby girl. It’s a real honour to be asked to play, that’s a lot of money raised.”

The charity event was able to raise over £4 million in funds for UNICEF.