GARY LINEKER stopped Micah Richards from using a famous catchphrase live on air – and then declared that it was banned.
The pair were both on duty for BBC to report on England’s 1-0 win over Serbia in their opening Group C clash at Euro 2024 tonight.
And Gareth Southgate’s men had their Wags and loved ones cheering them on as they made a dream start to the tournament.
Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross was headed home by Jude Bellingham from close-range after just 13 minutes in Gelsenkirchen.
And that proved to be the decisive moment of the game as England held on to get the three points.
Bellingham also made history by just starting the game, surpassing a long-held record by Michael Owen.
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Before kick off, Lineker and Richards were talking in the Match of the Day studio in Berlin about what Southgate can do more to win over some certain sections of England supporters.
Despite leading us to the World Cup semi final and the final of Euro 2020, some fans are still not convinced that he is the right man for the job.
Richards said: “I think (a warmer reception) comes with him being bold.
“Leaving (Jack) Grealish at home, leaving (Marcus) Rashford (out of the squad). We all would have had Grealish in our squad.
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“Maybe fans were thinking ‘he’s a little bit safe’.
“That’s what I would say. But he has done a brilliant job, he really has.
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JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
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“Harmony in the squad has been brilliant, just now with this emerging talent, if we could just bring it home…”
Right at that point Lineker intervened, declaring that he did not want to hear any talk of football “coming home”.
And he then went on to bar any BBC pundits from repeating that phrase again.
Lineker said: “Here we go… that’s banned, that’s bad luck that thing… don’t say it.”
The popular “It’s coming home” phrase stems from the hit Baddiel and Skinner song at Euro ‘96.
It has remained one of the go-to songs for fans at tournaments ever since, despite our wait for silverware stretching back to 1966.
And the motto has been famously mocked by other nations, including Germany way back in 1996 after they won the Euros at Wembley.
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Italy also took the mick after they beat England at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final, changing the tune to “It’s coming Rome”.
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While England’s second half display showed that there is still plenty of work to do for Southgate, Bellingham’s effort at least ensured it was a winning start.
And they can secure a place in the knockouts if they beat Denmark in their second group game on Thursday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
