On Sunday night, the world-class Soccer Aid competition had more than football legends, celebrities and drama; it was a thrilling 3-2 victory for England, who showed they had taken the lead at the London Stadium.
Huge attention was once again being paid to the annual UNICEF fundraiser this year, including this time names like actor Damson Idris, former England striker Jermain Defoe and internet personality Angryginge.
Soccer Aid 2026 took place at the London Stadium, the home of West Ham United, to celebrate its 20th birthday. A variety of sporting heroes and celebrities performed on the stage, raising funds for children in the UNICEF programmes.
Idris made his Soccer Aid debut impressively for England, who got the start of the game off to a flying start. The actor, who has recently been cast as the goalkeeper in the upcoming Formula One movie, came off the bench undauntingly to give the home side a much-needed edge.
The halftime was Defoe’s. The former Tottenham and England forward had two fantastic chipped saves to push England up to 3-0 and put his name in Soccer Aid history. His brace took him into the lead of the goalscoring charts in the event.
World XI didn’t back down and regained the momentum. It was then that former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien struck from distance and ex-Australia striker Tim Cahill headed home to even the score.
The later stages were fraught with tension, with England holding on to stay ahead. One of the most talked-about performers was Angryginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle. The much-loved streamer was instrumental in a number of defensive plays and made himself Player of the Match for the first time this season.
He was beaten in the air for Cahill’s goal, and was even on the receiving end of a memorable skill move from Dimitar Berbatov earlier in the game, but his overall performance was key to England’s win.
He was beaten in the air for Cahill’s goal, and was even on the receiving end of a memorable skill move from Dimitar Berbatov earlier in the game, but his overall performance was key to England’s win.
England Edge World XI 3-2 as Defoe Shines at Soccer Aid 2026
