Noble shines at the London Stadium

By Sean Whetstone

Mark Noble was a shining example at the London Stadium last night as Soccer Aid raised over £15.6m for charity.

The 35-year-old Hammers played all ninety minutes and probably was the only England squad member fit enough to do so.

At one point he sprinted to beat Usain Bolt to the ball and came close to scoring in a game which wnded in 2-2 after the end of normal time.

Mark Noble appeared to want to take England’s penalty before giving it up to Mark Wright to convert.

He later showed his leadership skills one last time taking over the captain’s armband while Liam Payne was substituted.

The game at the Hammers’ home was decided by a penalty shootout which Nobes took no part in as only celebrities are allowed to take them.

Noble was joined in the England team by other former West Ham players like Stewart Downing, Teddy Sheringham, David James and Joe Cole with Patrice Evra and Robbie Keane playing for the rest of the world XI who won on penalties.

There were many West Ham fans last night, many proudly wearing new shirts.  Mark Noble was cheered each time he touched the ball in the early stages of the game while odd cries of Irons could be heard from time to time.