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      Inside BBC and ITV’s tense Euro 2024 TV negotiations with mind-games over England matches ‘like extreme cold war’

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      ITV and the BBC went head-to-head in a heated battle to determine this summer’s Euro 2024 TV picks.The UK’s two leading broadcasters both secured rights to this year’s tournament, meaning fixtures had to be distributed evenly.ITV had the rights for England vs Slovenia and will be showing the Slovakia clashCredit: RexThe BBC selected two of England’s group gamesCredit: BBCITV believe England will go the distanceCredit: APITV sealed the opening match as Germany cruised to a 5-1 win over Scotland, while BBC executives bagged the first two England games.The two also had to fight it out for specific knockout stage fixtures.But what factors into these decisions? And how is each match allocated?Journalist Marina Hyde lifted the lid on the process, revealing that each broadcaster operates on a ‘you-pick we-pick’ basis.READ MORE ON EURO 2024ITV kicked off the process this time around, selecting the first choice of semi-final having predicted England to go the distance.However, the BBC took a slightly different approach.On The Rest is Entertainment podcast, journalist Hyde explained: “ITV and the BBC share out games at the Euros and all tournaments.”They take it in turns to pick matches, but this time round it was ITV’s turn to pick first.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend”You can choose anything right from the start, it’s like a draft, but they thought ‘okay we’ll do semi-final pick one’ because they thought England will do well in this tournament.”So, when the semi-final line-up is finally decided, ITV will get to choose first… hopefully with England in it.Gary Lineker pokes fun at Harry Kane ‘s***’ row with cheeky quip live on BBC during Euro 2024 coverage”The BBC then counter, so their next thing – and this is what happened in the room for this particular Euros – the BBC then countered with quarter-final pick one.”It’s honestly like game theory. It’s like extreme cold war.”ITV went on to select the round-of-16 pick one, before the BBC chose England vs Serbia due to its prime-time 8pm slot on a Sunday.England’s bore draw with Slovenia on Tuesday was subsequently snatched by ITV – also in the 8pm slot.Hyde continued: “But then the big dilemma, ITV could’ve had the second semi-final at this stage and they are sitting there thinking ‘what do we do?’ And then the BBC will be shut out of the final week of the tournament until the actual final.”But then if England are gone, the level of interest is gone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So ITV chose game one of the whole tournament.”The decision to show the first match of Euro 2024 certainly paid off for ITV, with more than 10million viewers tuning in – the highest peak audience of any opening to a major football tournament in a decade.The BBC & ITV’s bidding processITV pick one: Semi-final first pickBBC pick one: Quarter-final first pickITV pick two: Round-of-16 first pickBBC pick two: England vs SerbiaITV pick three: England vs SloveniaBBC pick three: England vs DenmarkITV pick four: Germany vs ScotlandEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Gary Lineker pokes fun at Harry Kane ‘s***’ row with cheeky quip live on BBC during Euro 2024 coverage

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      GARY LINEKER made a cheeky joke about the furore surrounding his England criticism.The BBC pundit called the Three Lions’ performance against Denmark “s**t” which saw Harry Kane bite back in a press conference.Gary Lineker laughs at his own jokeCredit: BBCHarry Kane took issue with some pundits’ commentsCredit: Paul EdwardsAnd Lineker referenced the headline-grabbing exchange at half-time in Italy’s clash with Croatia, which ended in a dramatic draw.During a segment previewing England’s final Euro 2024 group game against Slovenia tomorrow, Lineker said “If Albania fail to win tonight, England are officially through to the last 16.”Because even if they lose tomorrow they will go through as one of the best third-placed teams.”I wish people would stop being so critical of them.”READ MORE EUROS NEWSEarlier, Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate insisted he had not paid any attention to Lineker’s comments.”I haven’t heard what he said. I have heard one word.”That is the world we are in. I am oblivious to it, it is not important to me at all. “What is important to me is I have to guide this set of players confidently through the terrain that is the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”We are a high profile team and we have expectations and we fully understand everything we do will be scrutinised. “I am very comfortable living that life. I don’t need to engage in the external because I am my own biggest critic and I think our players are as well.Harry Kane bites back at Lineker and Co over ‘s***’ Denmark jibes and reminds ex-England stars they never won anything’We’re struggling with and without the ball’, admits Harry Kane

      HARRY KANE admits England “haven’t been good enough” at the Euros.
      Here’s what skipper Kane said after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark:
      “We’re struggling with and without the ball.
      “The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right. We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
      “Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.
      “We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home.
      “But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.
      “It wasn’t our greatest game but we got away with draw.
      “We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”
      “In the second half, we changed it with me and Jude (Bellingham)  playing in front of their two midfielders. But it was difficult.”

      “There is nothing to be gained from us listening to external criticism. We know what we have done well and are very honest about that. “We know where we need to improve and we are brutally honest about that.”That is how you coach a team and improve performance.”Pundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team.
      Here’s the best of what was said…
      ALAN SHEARER
      “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
      “I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
      “England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
      “There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
      “It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
      “You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
      GARY LINEKER
      The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
      On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
      RIO FERDINAND
      “The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
      ROY KEANE
      “Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
      “There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
      “This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
      JAMIE CARRAGHER
      “My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
      “England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
      “The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
      “Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
      JACK WILSHERE
      “It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
      “But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.” More

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      Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand row live on BBC as Man Utd icon claims THREE players should start ahead Phil Foden

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      MICAH RICHARDS launched a passionate defence of Phil Foden.The Manchester City starlet was not at his best in the 1-0 win over Serbia but kept his place against Denmark.Micah Richards is a huge fan of Phil FodenCredit: BBCRio Ferdinand named three players ahead of him in the pecking orderCredit: BBCPhil Foden has struggled to make an impactCredit: GettyRichards thinks Foden, 24, can be England’s best player.The BBC pundit, 35, said: “He’s frustrated. Phil Foden is the best player in this team in the tight spaces. “Get the ball to him as soon as possible.”You do not want him in this position, he cannot hurt the opposition in this position [when he is too wide or withdrawn].READ MORE ON EURO 2024″He can do it on the right or on the left. He can make these runs in behind because he’s so intelligent. “Then it’s about putting the ball across, which he can do.”The key is to play to your best players as quick as possible who can cause the opposition damage, and we’re not doing that.”The difference is when you watch [Jude] Bellingham, shoulders out. He’s demanding it, controlling it.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We need Phil Foden to show that personality now and show people how good of a player he is.”Richards used clips of Foden not receiving the ball when begging for it to make his case.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland fans stunned as Denmark level against Three Lions at Euro 2024But Rio Ferdinand, 45, thinks the blame lies at the City playmaker’s feet.He said: “I think he’s demanding it and shouting after. When someone is on the ball, you’ve got to be telling them then.”When the ball is released and passed he’s frustrated and it shows. “You’ve got to be shouting before the ball comes and if it doesn’t, go and tell people directly, ‘Give me the ball.’Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
      England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
      Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
      The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
      Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
      The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
      Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
      Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
      Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
      England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
      Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
      Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
      Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
      Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
      Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
      The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
      Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here

      “Play to your best players in those positions. The team sometimes need to talk about that.”Teams identify who is your best player and talk about it in the changing rooms and in the games, ‘Get the ball to him’. “He is that at Man City but he isn’t that at England right now. They’re playing to Jude first, Harry [Kane] first, [Bukayo] Saka before him.” More

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      Stephen Warnock’s ‘BBC career flashes before his eyes’ as ex-England star narrowly avoids X-rated blunder live on air

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      STEPHEN WARNOCK almost made an all-time gaffe live on air.The BBC pundit was on the mic for Slovenia’s draw with Serbia.Stephen Warnock luckily caught himself just in timeCredit: GettyThe game finished in a wild finaleCredit: AlamyAnd he stopped himself moments from disaster while discussing a dull period in the game.Warnock said: “It has come to life and thank F… thank goodness for that.”Fans managed to fill in the blanks and a recording of the near-disaster was shared on X with the caption: “Stephen Warnock’s BBC career just flashed before his eyes.”A football fan commented: “Listened to this live at work and was chuckling away to myself.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Another added: “You can break the opposition’s ankles with a mid-syllable pivot like that.””I thought that’s what he said,” a third replied with three crying laughing emojis.Thankfully for Warnock he stopped in his tracks – and the game roared into life in the second half.Slovenia looked to have secured victory with a breakaway goal thanks to an incredible run by right-back Zan Karnicnik with 21 minutes left.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut a header from AC Milan’s Luka Jovic sparked chaotic scenes in the crowd at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.Before the game, Serbian FA bosses slammed UEFA and said they were ready to take the squad home in protest at chants aimed at their country by rival Croatia and Albania fans in an earlier match.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYFour Lions singing outside England v Denmark stadium pre gameSerbian FA general secretary Jovan Surbatovic said: “What happened is scandalous and we will ask UEFA for sanctions, even at the cost of not continuing the competition.”We will request UEFA to punish the federations of both teams.”We don’t want to participate in that, but if UEFA doesn’t punish them, we will think about how to proceed.”The draw was a boost for England ahead of their clash with Denmark. More

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      Gary Lineker ‘breaks BBC rules AGAIN’ after showing off his Next clothing range while hosting England Euro 2024 coverage

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      GARY Lineker has been accused of breaking BBC rules again – this time while hosting Euro coverage. The broadcaster appeared to be wearing his own Next clothing range while presenting the England vs Serbia game on Sunday night.Gary Lineker has been accused of breaching BBC rules againCredit: NextThe presenter appeared to don clothes from his Next collectionCredit: BBCThe Beeb has guidelines that state broadcasters can’t promote what they’re wearingCredit: BBCLineker launched his own line with the retailer in 2023, and is snapped modeling his own clothes online. On Sunday he donned a pale green T-shirt and sage jacket which appeared to come from the collection – which retail at £16 and £55 – while live on air. Social media quickly became overwhelmed with comments on what Lineker was wearing.One person on Twitter claimed this was a breach of the Beeb’s rules. Read more on sport They wrote: “Gary Lineker has again been caught breaking BBC rules by wearing clothes that he’s paid to promote.”Beeb guidelines rule broadcasters aren’t allowed to sport attire they’re promoting – or being paid to wear. It states: “Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest.”It also says presenters should declare any deals or endorsements to promote clothing.Most read in Euro 2024But Lineker has argued in the past that he’s a freelancer, not a contracted employee, and says that he’s not breaking the impartiality rules. The BBC said it would not comment on individuals, but a spokesman told The Telegraph: “Presenters/contributors provide their own wardrobe, and all presenters/contributors are regularly reminded of the guidelines in relation to clothing, even if they are not doing proactive promotional work.”Gary Lineker’s tweets slamming Tory MPs ‘seem to breach BBC guidelines’, new boss Samir Shah saysThe Sun has contacted the BBC and reps for Lineker for comment.This isn’t the first time the broadcaster has run into issues with clothing. During the World Cup in 2018, the Match of the Day host promoted a TM Lewin Shirt on Instagram that he wore on-air after becoming the face of the clothing brand.The BBC branded it a “genuine mistake” after they acknowledged it breached company guidelines.Lineker told OK! Magazine: “I’ve always got my own clothes and I’ve always dressed myself on television.”There’s no wardrobe budget at BBC Sport so we all dress ourselves.”This isn’t the first time the host has run into issues with the Beeb. Lineker first sparked an impartiality row in March last year after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s Germany.Gary Lineker has again been caught breaking BBC rules by wearing clothes that he’s paid to promote.Then, in September, it was revealed that he would be one a handful of stars reigned in by new impartiality guidelines. It came after a row about the Match of the Day host’s political posts on social media.The guidance applies to presenters who have “a particular responsibility to respect the corporation’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.It stated that while a programme is on air, and for two weeks before and after the series, the hosts must not endorse or attack a political party, criticise the character of politicians, or comment on any issue of political debate during an election period.Then, just three months later, Lineker came under fire again. The BBC’s incoming chairman said that the presenter’s tweets slamming Tory MPs “seem to breach” the corporation’s social media rules.New boss Samir Shah said he did not think it was “helpful” that Lineker had signed a letter calling for the Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme.Former England footballer turned pundit Lineker was among a group of celebrities urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, in January, Lineker was slammed as “ignorant” after sharing a tweet calling to ban Israel from world football.The Match Of The Day presenter reposted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, from a pro-Palestinian campaign calling for Israel to be ousted from global tournaments and games “until it ends its grave violations of international law”.Lineker’s run-ins with the Beeb
      Lineker sparked an impartiality row in March 2023 after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Then, in December the same year, the former England footballer turned pundit Lineker was among a group of celebrities urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      Samir Shah, the BBC’s new chairman, said Lineker appeared to breach social media guidelines when he used X to apparently mock Tory MPs after signing an open letter criticising the policy.
      But Tory MPs hit back with Cabinet Minister Grant Shapps saying that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      In Janurary this year, he sparked another BBC row and was slammed as “ignorant” after sharing a tweet calling to ban Israel from world football.
      The Match Of The Day presenter reposted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, from a pro-Palestinian campaign calling for Israel to be ousted from global tournaments and games “until it ends its grave violations of international law”.
      However, the original tweet seems to no longer appear on the former England star’s account.
      Lineker, 63, reposted the tweet from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel.
      It included a statement from the Palestinian Football Association which called upon Fifa and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to join all regional and global sporting bodies in sanctioning Israel.
      The statement demanded that they “take an urgent stance towards Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures”.
      The post went on to demand that the public and officials pressure organisations “to suspend Israel’s membership and ban it from international tournaments and games until it ends its grave violations of international law, particularly its apartheid rule and the crime of genocide it is perpetuating in Gaza”.
      But MPs demanded that the BBC intervenes to sanction its highest-paid presenter with some slamming the repost as “ignorant”. More

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      BBC showcase pointless new feature for Euro 2024 that even the most passionate football fan won’t care about

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      FOOTBALL fans seem to be united in their indifference towards the BBC’s new feature on their Euro 2024 coverage.The Beeb have been showing fans at home how many times the ball spins per second when a goal is scored.Fans are being shown ball data from every goal at Euro 2024Credit: BBCEuro 2024 has got off to an exciting start with 25 goals netted in the opening eight games of the tournament.And every time the ball hits the back of the net, the BBC’s coverage is showing fans the stats behind the goal in a neat little graphic tucked in the bottom corner of the screen.Fans are informed of the distance from goal, the speed of the effort and the spin of the ball.Some supporters are intrigued by how far out a shot is when it nestles in the corner, while others think it is interesting to see how hard the ball was hit.READ MORE ON EURO 2024However, it seems nobody is interested in how many times the ball revolves on its own axis per second – also known as RPS.After learning that Romanian captain Nicolae Stanciu’s stunner against Ukraine racked up 10rps, fans were quick to sarcastically tease the BBC’s feature.On social media, one fan wrote: “When Nicolae Stanciu’s goal went in I said ‘The spin on that looks like 11rps to me’ and then this stat popped up on screen and everyone laughed at me for being so stupid.While another joked: “Rare to see anything above 10RPS these days.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd a third commented: “We have spin rate on football shots now? God help us.”The stats are made possible thanks to some impressive technology inside the balls at the tournament.Romania fan breaks down in tears after his side go 3-0 up against Ukraine at Euro 2024The Adidas ball being used in Germany features “Connected Ball Technology” for the first time in a European Championship.As well as the data for every goal at the tournament, the tech allows officials at Euro 2024 to know exactly when the ball is kicked to aid the semi-automated offsides being used by Uefa this summer.The Euro 2024 features some impressive tech to bring fans the dataCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Gary Lineker ‘bans’ Micah Richards from using popular phrase used by England fans during BBC coverage of Serbia opener

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      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.England fans often claim that ‘It’s coming home’ only to suffer heartbreakCredit: GettyGary Lineker has banned ‘it’s coming home’ talk on BBCCredit: BBCJude Bellingham secured England a 1-0 win in their opening gameCredit: AFPAnd 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.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Before 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.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“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.Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s

      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.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

      “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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYItaly also took the mick after they beat England at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final, changing the tune to “It’s coming Rome”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile 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. More

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      BBC pundits attacked by big hornets live on air during coverage of England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

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      THE BBC’s coverage of England’s win over against Serbia has been hit by a couple of issues.First, fans begged Beeb bosses to clean the filthy windows in their studio.BBC pundits had to deal with massive hornetsThings started well for England on the fieldCredit: GettyAnd then their pundits were attacked by hornets during the half-time break.Just as the players were returning for the second half, host Gary Lineker told viewers about their unwanted guests.Micah Richards quickly changed the subject as all he wanted to talk about was pitchside reporter Joe Hart’s tight shirt.The former England stopper’s fashion sense was not the only thing picked up on.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Fans claimed Hart’s bizarre arm tattoos made him “look like a zebra crossing.”England took the lead through Jude Bellingham before Harry Kane had touched the ball.The Three Lions flew out of the blocks and Jordan Pickford, in particular, was riled up before the game.BBC cameras captured England’s No1 stopper – who is being cheered on by his wife Megan Davison – firing up fans as he walked to the goal.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTrent showed he’s a central character for England… he deserves to keep spot, says Wilshere
      THIS game felt a bit like an audition for Trent Alexander-Arnold in centre midfield, writes SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere.
      I think he passed it and deserves another chance to show all the qualities that he can bring to the role.
      I was pleased when I saw Trent in the starting line-up.
      It’s a little bit braver than we have normally seen from Gareth Southgate and I like that.
      It was: ‘Go on, go and play!’ It didn’t necessarily work out like that but that wasn’t Trent’s fault.
      Southgate was experimenting with him in there, seeing if it worked.
      If we get later in the tournament against the big teams, you will need someone who has played in there a few times and understands the position a bit.
      The combination between Trent, Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka is a promising one.
      You see Trent naturally drift over to that right side and receive it almost like a full-back.
      It’s interesting what happens then with Walker.
      He was still getting involved in and around the outside, which was good to see, and it was Walker who got forward to help create the Jude Bellingham goal.
      That link-up is something we need to exploit more. We should probably have used it more last night as well.
      At the start, he was a little bit shaky. He gave the ball away a couple of times, and one of them led to that decent chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      When he plays for Liverpool he comes inside. But it’s different when you’re in there from the start. It’s 360 degree pressure, from all sides.
      I always found international football that bit quicker. You’ll often receive it with your back to the game and you’ve scanned, but you need to get more on the half turn to see what’s coming.
      But it was difficult for Trent, especially in the first half, for him to show his range of passing. When you’re playing against a back five, with four in front, and they’re stubborn and just waiting . . . it is very hard.
      There’s no space in behind, they’re very tight and organised.
      And when the ball is going over your head, your job then becomes jumping on second balls, disrupting and trying to shield the big two up front.
      Trent’s positioning was good and he made some good interceptions. I think he can — and should — hold on to the ball a bit more, draw the pressure, and then play the ball forward.
      If someone comes to him, that frees up space for  someone else. And he and Declan Rice have the ability to find Bellingham and Phil Foden through the lines. I would like to have seen more of that. As the game opens up, Trent is a player who can pick the right pass.
      Especially in transition, like he did with a lovely one down the side for Saka in the first half and another early in the second.
      It was also good to see him get forward for a decent long-range shot.
      But Trent was not helped by England’s performance in the  second half. We weren’t aggressive enough, we didn’t press well enough.
      Trent’s audition lasted just under 70 minutes in the end. I believe  it is something Gareth should  persist with.
      He is more than intelligent enough to work it out. And as the tournament goes on, I’m sure he will be fine in there.

      Bellingham unveiled a new celebration after scoring.The playmaker and Trent Alexander-Arnold both took a knee and placed their palm over their face, with some fans saying it reminded them of WWE star Booker T.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYWyett ratings England v SerbiaBellingham, 20, had a busy first half as he showed off the other side to his game.After dispossessing Filip Kostic of the ball he celebrated in the Serb’s face before shoving his opponent.The Juventus ace did not take kindly to the incident, and could be seen having a pop at Bellingham as he walked off.Serbia were much improved after the break but the Three Lions held on to triumph 1-0.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:
      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More