Sir Bobby Robson was given a standing ovation before the match
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Thousands of football fans crowded into Newcastle's St James' Park ground for a match to support football legend Sir Bobby Robson. An England side, featuring Alan Shearer and several members of the 1990 World Cup squad including Paul Gascoigne, beat a Germany team 3-2. The game was a repeat of the 1990 World Cup semi-final when England, managed by Sir Bobby, lost on penalties. Proceeds will go towards Sir Bobby's cancer charity. Guard of honour The County Durham-born former England and Newcastle manager has fought the disease five times.
Paul Gascoigne, pictured with his nephews, played in the England team
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The England side included six of the starting line-up from the 1990 semi-final, with Gascoigne joined by Peter Shilton, Peter Beardsley, David Platt, Des Walker and Mark Wright, plus other members of the 1990 squad such as John Barnes and Trevor Steven. Former Newcastle United stars including Les Ferdinand and Rob Lee along with Shearer also played. The German side was captained by Lothar Matthaus, who led his country to their 1990 World Cup win. A number of celebrities also showed their support including actors Jimmy Nail and Angus Deayton, singers Simon Webbe and Craig David and comedian Paddy McGuinness.
Alan Shearer scored the England team's winner from the penalty spot
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Before the kick-off a guard of honour gave fans a chance to show their appreciation of Sir Bobby, who shook the hand of every player. Proceeds from the match will go towards The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which was launched in March 2008 and has raised more than £1.3 million to fight cancer in the region. It focuses on the clinical trials of new drugs and treatments to beat the disease. The England team came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, thanks to goals from Les Ferdinand and Alan Thompson and an Alan Shearer penalty.
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