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Shearer's England win Soccer Aid clash

7th September 2008

Alan Shearer was on target as England beat Rest of the World 4-3 at Wembley in Sunday night's Soccer Aid match which raised money for Unicef.

Football legends and celebrities teamed up in a seven-goal match at the national stadium in aid of United Nations children's charity.

Watched by an estimated crowd of 45,000 cheering fans on a chilly London evening, the two teams - made up of a mix of non-sporting celebrities and professional or ex-professional footballers - battled it out for 90 minutes on the famed football pitch.

Harry Redknapp's England team featured former internationals Shearer, David Seaman, Des Walker, Jamie Redknapp, Teddy Sheringham and Graeme Le Saux.

And the Rest of the World legends - managed by Kenny Dalglish - included Brazil goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel, Holland centre-back Jaap Stam, Italy defender Franco Baresi, Portugal midfielder Luis Figo (still playing professionally for Inter Milan), former West Ham hero Paolo Di Canio and Brazil ace Romario.

England eventually got the better of Rest Of The World, pulling one goal ahead to clinch victory at 4-3 - although the scorer of the winning goal was a matter of some dispute, with Shearer appearing to get the faintest of touches to a free-kick from presenter and team captain Jonathan Wilkes which crept in at the far post.

The brainchild of singer Robbie Williams, the match hopes to raise over £1million to go towards health, education and medicine in 190 countries worldwide, Unicef said.

The event was hosted by Ant and Dec and Louise Redknapp also provided pitch-side commentary with England manager Harry Redknapp.

The referee was Pierluigi Collina, who also refereed at Socceraid in 2006, although the Italian had to limp off in the first half to be replaced by Hugh Dallas.

In a game filled with some moments of brilliance and some slightly lacklustre play, some performances stood out above the rest, including that of Newcastle legend Shearer.

Speaking after the game, Shearer said: "I thought it was a great game.

"It was done in the right way. People expect to be entertained and I think that's what they got."

Asked if he would return to the Premier League as Harry Redknapp had jokily suggested, he said: "I don't think so - did you see me running out there?"

Gordon Ramsay, who left the pitch injured after only 10 minutes, said he was "gutted" he did not complete the match but, he said: "The real winners tonight are Unicef."

A subdued Di Canio said he was "very down" about losing the game but added he had "enjoyed it".

When asked about being linked with the vacant West Ham manager's job, he said: "I have not heard anything yet but I hope for the best."

He added "when the time comes", he will one day be manager.