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Who is Chesney Hawkes: One and Only singer confuses some with World Cup performance

Chesney Hawkes, singer during the half time entertainment during the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar. Picture date: Tuesday November 29, 2022. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Chesney Hawkes performed The One And Only at halftime during the England Wales World Cup clash. (Getty Images)

Chesney Hawkes is taking credit for England's win over Wales at the FIFA World Cup 2022 following his surprise halftime performance.

The 51-year-old pop star — who had a number one hit with The One And Only in 1991 — left some football fans baffled when he appeared on the pitch at the Janoub Stadium in Qatar to perform his 90s classic.

Following a 0-0 score at halftime, England quickly managed to net two goals in the second half and went on to win the match 3-0. This meant they automatically qualify for the last-16, with three matches to go to get into the final.

Read more: Gary Lineker and Rob Rinder in clash over Qatari World Cup coverage

Hawkes tweeted: "1st half 0-0 Half time #chesneyeffect Full time 3-0 Boom #chesneyeffect #ChesneyHawkes"

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Singer Chesney Hawkes reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Chesney Hawkes is taking credit for England's World Cup victory over Wales. (Getty Images)

The hashtag #chesneyeffect quickly began trending on social media and Hawkes shared a video of himself on TikTok in an England shirt pretending he was being sent on to play for the team.

One fan tweeted: "Oh no. Was it Chesney Hawkes who made the difference? Will he have to play at half-time all the time now?"

Hawkes replied: "I'm in!"

Another fan commented: "Playing bland football then@ChesneyHawkes comes on at HT and we go on to score 2 asap. You really wanna tell me that’s a coincidence? Pfft."

Watch: England fans in party mood after cruising to victory against Wales in World Cup

And another said: "Southgate gets criticised for his tactics, but you have to say bringing on Chesney Hawkes at half-time was a masterstroke #WALENG"

There are already calls for Hawkes to perform at halftime at every subsequent England match during the tournament.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: singer Chesney Hawkes greets Declan Rice after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Chesney Hawkes celebrated with the England team at the end of the game. (Offside via Getty Images)

But some younger fans were a little confused by Hawes' appearance.

One asked: "Am I alone in wondering who Chesney Hawkes is? The name rings a bell but I haven't the faintest idea who it is."

Another tweeted: "Having to explain who Chesney Hawkes is to my partner’s younger brother… apparently “he’s the one and only” wasn’t an acceptable explanation #englandvswales #worldcup"

UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01:  Photo of Chesney HAWKES  (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)
Chesney Hawkes performing on stage in the 1990s. (Mick Hutson/Redferns)

And there was also outrage from fans watching on the BBC as Hawkes' performance was not broadcast live, with pundit commentary on the match so far shown instead.

Read more: Dan Walker disgusted by England/Wales half-and-half shirt

Among the many voicing their outrage on Twitter, one complained: "Chesney Hawkes' half-time performance not being shown is a far bigger scandal than the decision not to broadcast the opening ceremony."