Stars shine at sensational Soccer Aid

THE stars were out in force last night to give England at least one victory this summer against the World XI at the annual Soccer Aid fundraising extravaganza.

- Liz Perkins

The star-studded squad ended their six-year wait for a charity match win by defeating the rest of the world side 6-3 at Stamford Bridge as celebrities from the worlds of football, showbusiness and television came together for the fundraiser.

England's last victory came in 2018, with five straight defeats since then, and this time it was Frank Lampard and Harry Redknapp in the dugout who helped to end the winless run.

Ellen White, playing for England, created history by becoming the first woman to score at the event, helping take the team into a 2-2 draw at half time.

Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere and Joe Cole were among the other former players involved, along with celebrities including Steven Bartlett, Paddy McGuinness, Tom Hiddleston, Sir Mo Farah, Stuart Broad and Eddie Hearn.

By the final whistle, Soccer Aid had scored a bumper £15million to support children in need across the globe.

Children's charity Unicef will benefit through the event, which has helped to raise more than £106million since the fixture first took place in 2006.