2024 MATCH REPORT

The adrenaline-packed match took place at the sold-out Stamford Bridge in London – returning for the third time in Soccer Aid for UNICEF history and welcoming back over 40,000 fans. The match ended with an impressive 6-3 to England, with the Three Lions taking the win for the first time in six years.

During half time, Stamford Bridge buzzed with excitement as UNICEF UK Ambassadors Tom Hiddleston and Dermot O’Leary along with UNICEF UK High Profile Supporters Alex Scott and Martin Compston delivered a special speech, that inspired donations to UNICEF. Followed by a captivating and inspiring performance by Tom Walker singing hit song ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’.

This year, Frank Lampard made his Soccer Aid for UNICEF debut as England co-manager alongside his uncle, Harry Redknapp and co-founder Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid favourites Vicky McClure and David Seaman also returned to the coaching squad. They were up against the Soccer Aid World XI FC management team made up of returning manager Mauricio Pochettino with Jesus Perez, Robbie Keane and Toni Jimenez. This year, both teams were also supported by special ‘skills coach’ Billy Wingrove, who got the last-minute call up to play for Soccer Aid World XI FC.

England’s Joe Cole opened the scoring just six minutes into the game. Less than ten minutes later, Eden Hazard marked his return to Stamford Bridge and scored the equalizer, before Usain Bolt set up Alessandro Del Piero and propelled the World XI team into the lead. However, just before half time, England’s Ellen White became the first female goal scorer in Soccer Aid for UNICEF history, levelling the score 2-2.

The second half opened with Steven Bartlett striking for England seconds after coming off the bench. Jermain Defoe then added a fourth goal for England, with World XI’s Bolt stretchered off due to injury. Minutes later, Bartlett – named player of the match – struck again, before Billy Wingrove scored a penalty for World XI attempting to turn the game around. The match concluded with a goal fed by Karen Carney and finished by Theo Walcott, sealing a 6-3 victory for England – their first win in six years.

As the only official FA sanctioned mixed gender match, Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 saw more female celebrity players take part than ever before, with celebrity player debuts from Olympian Sam Quek and Netflix The Crown’s Erin Doherty* for England, and Gladiator’s Diamond for World XI. Team England was once again led by Lioness Jill Scott, whilst Karen Carney returned to play for England and fellow Lioness and Euro 2022 winner Ellen White made her debut. For World XI, ex-professional Kaylyn Kyle and celebrity player Maisie Adam returned, whilst professionals Kheira Hamraoui and Olga Garcia made their first Soccer Aid for UNICEF appearances too. The match officials for the game featured an all-female line up once again, with Rebecca Welch as referee, Natalie Aspinall and Emily Carney as assistants and Jane Simms returning as the 4^th official.