Jack Wilshere was in fine form for England against the World XI (Picture: Getty)
England star Jack Wilshere rolled back the years with an exquisite assist for Ellen White against the World XI at Soccer Aid – embarrassing his ex-Arsenal team-mate Petr Cech in the process.
England, co-managed by Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure and Robbie Williams, got off to the perfect start as ex-Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole opened the scoring on his return to Stamford Bridge.
Eden Hazard found an equaliser just moments later, beating David James with a dipping free-kick, before 100m world-record holder Usain Bolt helped set up Alessandro Del Piero to put the World XI in front.
But White, the Lionesses’ all-time leading goalscorer, ensured the two teams went into half-time level, latching onto a sublime Wilshere assist to become the first female goalscorer in Soccer Aid history.
After some fine play by Cole, Wilshere sat Cech down with a deft touch to the goalkeeper’s left before putting the ball on a plate for White, who made no mistake from close range.
A beaming immediately went over to Wilshere to celebrate the goal with the former midfielder, a two-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal, as the goal left the match finely poised heading into the second period.
At the half-time break, Jermaine Jenas hailed White’s historic goal as a ‘big, big moment’ and claimed Wilshere’s play in the build-up was ‘a joke’.
‘This is what Ellen has done her whole life. She just stuck it in the back of the net,’ the ex-Tottenham and England midfielder said on ITV’s coverage of the match.
‘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.’
More to follow.
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