England end six-year wait for Soccer Aid glory with 6-3 win over World XI

Theo Walcott scores high-looping lob to cap off a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge

Comedian Lee Mack strikes the winning penalty for the World XI, who won the contest for a fourth straight year

England XI ended the World XI's five-year winning streak with a well-deserved 6-3 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Theo Walcott scored a high-looping lob to cap off a thrilling encounter, while comedian Lee Mack struck the winning penalty for the World XI.

England, who fielded a team of former players including Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, and Wayne Rooney, took the lead in the first half through a penalty from Jesse Lingard. However, the World XI, who included Roberto Carlos, Carles Puyol, and Ronaldinho, hit back through a stunning free-kick from Ronaldinho.

England regained the lead in the second half through a tap-in from Emile Heskey, but the World XI equalised again through a penalty from Billy Wingrove. Walcott then put England ahead for the third time with a fine solo effort, but Wingrove levelled the scores once more with another penalty.

With the match heading for a penalty shootout, Walcott popped up with a stunning lob to give England the lead. Mack then scored the winning penalty for the World XI, but it was not enough to prevent England from claiming their first Soccer Aid win since 2018.