Jack Wilshere turned back the clock with a stunning assist to set up Ellen White’s first-half equalizer in England’s Soccer Aid triumph over the World XI, leaving his former Arsenal teammate Petr Cech red-faced.
England, co-managed by Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure, and Robbie Williams, started strong as Joe Cole, returning to Stamford Bridge, opened the scoring.
- What Tuchel said about Man Utd & Ten Hag in ‘secret’ Jim Ratcliffe meeting
- Jose Mourinho makes Ronaldo prediction for Euro 2024 & rules out ‘untalented’ team
- Cristiano Ronaldo named only player he considers GOAT alongside Messi & himself
Eden Hazard quickly responded, beating David James with a dipping free-kick, and Usain Bolt then set up Alessandro Del Piero to give the World XI the lead.
White, the Lionesses’ all-time top scorer, leveled the match before halftime with the first goal by a female player in Soccer Aid history, thanks to Wilshere’s brilliant setup. Wilshere deftly outmaneuvered Cech and delivered a perfect pass to White, who scored from close range.
White celebrated her historic goal with Wilshere, the former England midfielder and two-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal, leaving the match evenly balanced at halftime.
Jack Wilshere sits Petr Cech down with a ball roll, before squaring for Ellen White to equalise for England against World XI in @socceraid. ????
Absolute class, @JackWilshere. ???????? pic.twitter.com/v8gti7QTLU
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 9, 2024
England dominated the second half, securing a 6-3 victory with goals from Steven Bartlett, Jermaine Defoe, Billy Wingrove, and Theo Walcott.
However, the game saw a somber moment as Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter, was stretchered off the pitch due to injury.
At halftime, Jermaine Jenas praised White’s groundbreaking goal as a “big, big moment” and described Wilshere’s play as “a joke.”
‘This is what Ellen has done her whole life,’ the ex-Tottenham and England midfielder said on ITV’s coverage of the match.
‘She just stuck it in the back of the net.
‘The quality from Jack is a joke but how many times have you seen her just there.
‘Sam Thompson’s at the back post trying to steal it! He’s desperate! But Ellen says: “This is mine!”
‘It’s a big, big moment, let’s be honest. It’s huge.’
