See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER Updated: 21:32 BST, 31 May 2026
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates from the 2026 Soccer Aid charity game.20:39A successful night for EnglandBy William PickworthTonight's result reduces England's deficit in all-time Soccer Aid matches against the World XI to 7-8.They probably deserved it too, with the World XI not offering too much until their late barrage on Joe Marler's goal when they threatened to come from 3-0 down to level the game.Jermaine Defoe's stunning brace early in the second half was the difference, which came after Damson Idris' brilliantly composed opener. Robbie Williams seemed absolutely chuffed when speaking to ITV shortly after full-time. 20:28GK Barry goes viral By William PickworthThat very entertaining moment we mentioned earlier.Fair to say GK Barry was just happy to have completed a pass, much to the dismay of Tom Grennan.20:20Robbie Williams' half-time showBy William PickworthA real crowd pleaser from Robbie Williams at half-time, and all the players seemed to be enjoying it as they danced along.20:08England regain Soccer AidBy William PickworthAngry Ginge and Wayne Rooney lift the Soccer Aid trophy (albeit it is more of a shield) and they are greeted by thousands of jubilant fans inside the London Stadium.One trophy for England this summer down, one much bigger one to go in the US, Canada and Mexico over the next seven weeks...19:59Joe Marler - 'Biggest buzz I've had in 10 years' By William PickworthTo his credit, after a dodgy start Joe Marler made some brilliant saves and he clearly relished the experience. It's like the biggest buzz I've had in at least 10 years and I only retired 18 months ago. That was bonkers, unbelievable, I loved it. I just feel so lucky to be here, I loved it. It was great fun. 19:53Angry Ginge - 'I'll take that'By William PickworthThe Player of the Match has just been speaking to ITV Sport.I'll take that, thank you very much! I thought we were going to be absolutely torn apart today, then we went 3-0 up - Jermain Defoe was absolutely class. I'm just buzzing we won. 19:48FULL-TIME: England 3-2 World XI By William PickworthAnd that is that!Despite the second half containing about 30 substitutions, we have no added on time - much to everyone's surprise - and the full-time whistle has been blown.England regain the title after last year's 5-4 defeat and immediately begin their celebrations on the pitch.There's smiles from everyone though after another competitive and enjoyable encounter, yet it's Robbie Williams and Co who take home the bragging rights. 19:46, 89'Player of the Match By William PickworthAngry Ginge has just been announced as the Player of the Match.He's been very solid at the back alongside Joleon Lescott tonight, including that brilliant block off the line from Maisie Adam. 19:39, 82'Goal:England 3-2 World XIBy William PickworthTrademark Tim Cahill.Nemanja Matic, who has become increasingly influential and appears to now be playing up-front, pings in a delightful cross and Cahill is there to power the ball home.A good header, although it did appear to go through Marler. Eight minutes to find an equaliser.So close to 4-2 though as Love Island star Chloe Burrows plays an unreal ball in behind to Theo Walcott, but the former Arsenal man pokes his effort wide.19:37, 81'Podolski crashes the barBy William PickworthHe's been getting closer and closer but Lukas Podolski just rattles the crossbar on the volley from the edge of the area.A trademark effort from the former Arsenal man and Joe Marler was well-beaten.The World XI are really putting on the pressure here but Marler then saves well from Jordi Alba. 19:32, 79'Defoe rolls back the years!By William PickworthTwo brilliant finishes from one of the Premier League greats.Joe Marler then makes a brilliant save from Nemanja Matic. Great work from the rugby legend.19:31, 75'Goal:England 3-1 World XIBy William PickworthWow! What a strike from Michael Essien, just as he was about to be substituted.He receives the ball outside the box and fires a thumping effort at goal.Joe Marler gets a hand to it but can't stop it nestling in the far corner.He's still replaced though, with Leonardo Bonucci coming on to replace him.There are definitely still goals out there and I think this game is alive. Key Updates19:48FULL-TIME: England 3-2 World XI 19:46, 89'Player of the Match 19:39, 82'England 3-2 World XI19:31, 75'England 3-1 World XI19:17, 61'England 3-0 World XI 19:15, 59'England 2-0 World XI18:32The goal that broke the deadlock18:15, 45'GK Barry forgets where she is18:12, 38'Rooney hits the post18:04, 34'England 1-0 World XI17:57, 28'Hiddleston goes for retro look17:53, 23'Angry Ginge wears one17:44, 11'Joe Hart rolls back the years17:30How can you donate?17:18England XI 17:13World XI line-up16:59And what about the players?16:53Who are the managers?16:43The calm before the storm!16:36What is Soccer Aid?
