First World Cup win for transplant football team

England's transplant football team are world champions for the first time.

They thrashed Spain 5-1 on Friday to take the crown in Frankfurt, Germany, taking revenge after the country knocked them out at the previous World Cup in 2024.

Manager Daley Cross, from Bicester, Oxfordshire, said he could sense that his team were determined to bring the trophy home from the outset.

"I could just see in their eyes that they wanted it and they went onto that pitch and they delivered one hell of a performance that I am immensely proud of," he said.

"I think everyone in England should be proud too."

Cross said he aims to take the trophy around the country "so these players can share with the medical teams who have saved their lives and donors can be honoured."

NHS Blood and Transplant figures show deceased donation rates are 9% lower than at the same point last year, while the UK transplant waiting list has reached a record high.

"Our team exists because of organ donors," Cross said.

"We want to go out there and encourage those conversations to hopefully bring down that waiting list and show people that yes, you can face challenges in your own life, but you can overcome them and go on and be inspirations to people."

England were already European champions, having beaten Italy in the finalf in Radley last year.

Striker Kevin Kyley, from Windsor, Berkshire, who played at both tournaments, had a kidney transplant at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford in 2009.

He said the tournament was not just about the sport.

"There were always conversations on the side of the pitch," Kyley said. "In our team we have got some young players who are just starting their transplant journey and some older ones like myself who have had their transplant a long time.

"You can take inspiration from your teammates and your opponents as well."