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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe delivered a vintage performance as England edged World XI 3-2 to regain the Soccer Aid title.

After a disappointing outing at Old Trafford in the previous edition, the Three Lions bounced back impressively upon returning to the capital.

Defoe, who featured 146 times under Harry Redknapp during his professional career, rekindled his old spark under his former manager. The forward struck twice in quick succession early in the second half, effectively sealing the match despite a spirited late surge from Michael Essien and Tim Cahill for the World XI.

A record £16,462,353 was raised for UNICEF on the night, continuing Soccer Aid’s outstanding tradition of supporting charitable causes.

The first half proved a tense and cautious affair, with both England goalkeeper Joe Hart and World XI’s Edwin van der Sar called upon but rarely troubled. Nabhaan Rizwan squandered two clear chances to give World XI an early lead, only to see England punish his wastefulness shortly after.

Just past the half-hour mark, F1 film star Damson Idris latched onto a clever pass from Defoe and finished skilfully with the outside of his boot, leaving Van der Sar stranded and putting England ahead.

“This is what I do,” Idris joked after the match. “I come here and get the job done. I always dreamt of becoming a footballer, but I gave that up at 18 to become a bad actor, so this was a dream come true.”

England carried their narrow lead into half-time before Defoe took centre stage. With comedian Chris O’Dowd replacing Van der Sar at the break, the Irishman was twice left helpless by Defoe’s precision finishing—first with a neat chip from close range, then with a stunning 35-yard lob.

England relaxed after building a three-goal cushion, which allowed Essien and Cahill to pull two back in the closing moments against Joe Marler. However, the hosts held firm to reclaim the Soccer Aid trophy for the first time since 2024.