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    Fans beg for BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage as they identify pundit ‘dream team’

    FANS begged BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage.That’s after they identified their “dream team” of pundits. before England’s 1-0 final defeat to Spain.
    Fans begged BBC and ITV to merge their coverage of the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: ITV
    Supporters identified their ‘dream team’ of pundits from either channelCredit: BBC
    Supporters were spoiled for choice on Sunday morning as they tuned in for England’s highly-anticipated clash against Spain.
    The Lionesses have thrilled once again as they look to add a dream World Cup win to their Euros triumph.
    And both BBC and ITV had plenty to offer, with both channels showing the match live from Australia.
    The BBC’s line-up throughout the tournament included the likes of Fara Williams, Ellen White and Steph Houghton.
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    Meanwhile, ITV were able to call upon stars including Emma Hayes, Jill Scott and Eni Aluko.
    The brilliant array of pundits on both sides of the divide left fans desperate for a joint link-up between BBC and ITV.
    But one supporter was simply desperate to see BBC’s Alex Scott and ITV’s Ian Wright on the same screen together.
    They said: “I am so torn between BBC or ITV coverage.
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    “I wish Alex Scott and Ian Wright were both commentating together.”
    Another declared: “The choice between watching the Lionesses on ITV or BBC?
    “ITV went with a studio broadcast and BBC went to the stadium.”
    One noted: “BBC or ITV for England today?”
    Another added: “England vs Spain — World Cup final. Where to watch it?”

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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    Fans all switch from BBC to ITV for Women’s World Cup final after discovering ‘annoying’ technical blunder in commentary

    FANS have blasted an annoying technical blunder with the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup final.Viewers could hear the BBC’s Spanish colleagues through the microphones of their commentary.
    Fans could hear a Spanish man shouting in the background of the BBC’s commentary
    The opening stages of the encounter between Spain and England were dominated by a man shouting in Spanish.
    Fans were confused whether the man was a Spanish commentator or a fan.
    And viewers took to Twitter to complain about the coverage during the early stages of the match.
    One fan wrote: “Already turned over to the ITV coverage. That Spanish commentator you can hear in the background on the BBC is rather annoying.”
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    A second fan wrote: “Why can we hear the Spanish commentator in the background on BBC tv coverage?”
    A third added: “@BBC get rid of the Spanish guy please.”
    While a fourth wrote: “Switched to ITV commentary, BBC’s bit of a mess. Commentator losing her voice and can hear Spanish commentary in background.”
    The BBC’s commentator, Robin Cowen then apologised for the interruption, saying: “Apologies if you are hearing our Spanish colleagues.”
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    England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.

    Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
    Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half. More

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    Fans blast BBC and ITV as they cut away and talk through Women’s World Cup closing ceremony

    FANS were left fuming as both the BBC and ITV opted not to show the Women’s World Cup’s closing ceremony.The tournament wraps up today with England taking on Spain for ultimate glory.
    The BBC opted to talk over the closing ceremonyCredit: BBC
    ITV also decided not to focus on the closing ceremonyCredit: ITV
    There was a spectacular closing ceremony at Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
    Fans were unable to watch the ceremony in full on BBC One or ITVCredit: Getty
    As is customary, there was an official closing ceremony in front of a packed stadium pre-game.
    But both channels showing the match in the UK opted not to show it in full.

    One fan tweeted: “Great start, BBC talking over the final ceremony and ITV not even showing it.”
    And a second wrote: “Why is ITV so behind, BBC isn’t showing the closing ceremony how odd.”
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    A third blasted: “BBC talking over the closing ceremony. ITV not even showing it. Bit disrespectful.”
    Another fumed: “@GabbyLogan @AlexScott so ignorant. The closing ceremony is on and you both continue to talk over it.
    “@BBCSport why would you leave the closing ceremony and go to the zoo. The ceremony is what we would be watching if it was a men’s World Cup or olympics.”
    The closing ceremony was available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer.
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    But on BBC One, they decided to talk over it, instead continuing their pre-match build-up.
    Coverage of the tournament has generally been well received in the UK.
    Most fans have loved Alex Scott’s punditry on the BBC.
    While ITV’s Laura Woods is one of the most popular presenters in the country.
    England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
    Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
    Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half.

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
    Fans in the stadium were able to enjoy live musicCredit: AFP More

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    Alex Scott rocks bold outfit for Women’s World Cup final as fans praise ‘brilliant’ host and make BBC vs ITV decision

    ALEX SCOTT has delighted fans with her World Cup coverage this summer – and she’s not left them disappointed for the final.The BBC presenter has lit up screens with her charisma and analysis.
    Alex Scott was part of the BBC’s World Cup final coverage
    Scott was alongside Ellen White, Fara Williams and Gabby Logan
    The 38-year-old produced a package about the history of women’s football
    Former Lioness Scott appeared as a pundit alongside ex-England team-mates Ellen White and Fara Williams, with Gabby Logan on hosting duties for the final.
    And England legend Scott rocked a pink and grey blazer for the big one.

    With Laura Woods presenting ITV’s coverage, and former Lionesses Eni Aluko and Karen Carney on pundit duties, fans had a tricky decision to make over which coverage to tune in to.
    But for many, Scott was the deciding factor.
    READ MORE ALEX SCOTT
    One tweeted in reference to Ian Wright apearing as a pundit on ITV: “With some legends Ian but the girls on bbc just edge it this morning @AlexScott @fara_williams47 @GabbyLogan.”
    While a second wrote: “I can’t claim to be hugely interested in the football, but the BBC coverage has made me feel a swell of pride within about 5 minutes.
    “Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are so brilliant at the big occasions.”
    A third gushed: “fara was correct about alex scott’s outfitttt.”
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    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
    And a fourth commented: “alex scott i’m in actual tears i love you.”
    Another added: “The way Alex Scott talks about women’s football is always so impactful, great person to give a platform to.”
    Scott, 38, produced a package on the 50-year history of the women’s game in England.
    Commenting on the piece, one fan tweeted: “Love listening to Alex Scott talk about the women and girls game.
    “The emotion, honesty and passion for the game is there for all to see.”
    Another added: “That Alex Scott package on the 50-year ban on women’s football in England has taken me over the edge a bit, here.”
    Scott has been a star for the BBC during the World CupCredit: BBC
    Fans have loved her charisma, passion… and outfitsCredit: BBC More

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    Who are commentators on the Women’s World Cup final on BBC and ITV?

    ENGLAND will take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final later today in Sydney.The Lionesses are eyeing a historic win in Australia and have the support of the entire nation.
    Alessia Russo scored England’s third in the Lionesses’ 3-1 win against Australia in the semi-finalCredit: GETTY

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
    England booked their place in the final with a win over co-hosts Australia in their own backyard.
    Sarina Weigman’s side are hoping for a repeat of Euro 2022 with the Lionesses coming home with the biggest prize in football.
    But whose voices can you hear during the final?
    Who are the BBC and ITV commentators for the Women’s World Cup final?
    The BBC commentators for the Women’s World Cup will be the team of Robyn Cowen, Jonathan Pearce, Vicki Sparks, Conor McNamara and Steven Wyeth.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Gabby Logan will be on presenting duties with Alex Scott amongst the team of pundits.
    For ITV, commentary will come from Seb Hutchinson, Sam Matterface, Pien Meulensteen and Tom Gayle.
    Laura Woods will be the lead presenter alongside Seema Jaswal and Michelle Owen.
    Jill Scott, Ian Wright, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko and Emma Hayes are amongst the team of pundits for ITV.
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    How can I watch the Women’s World Cup final?
    The Women’s World Cup final will be broadcast LIVE on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
    ITV 1 will begin their coverage at 9:25am BST on Sunday morning (August 20) and BBC One’s show will start at 9:45am BST.
    The Women’s World Cup final will be available to watch for FREE via the ITVX app/website and the BBC iPlayer app/website, providing you have a valid TV license.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Sydney by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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    Gary Lineker forced to apologise as fans complain that Match of the Day feature is ‘like a tin can’

    GARY Lineker was forced to apologise to viewers after Match of the Day was hit with sound problems.The BBC host, 62, presented the show as always on Saturday night.
    Gary Lineker was forced to apologise for the sound quality on Match of the DayCredit: BBC
    But fans were immediately disappointed with the commentary that sounded like it was recorded inside a ‘tin-can’.
    That saw the England legend address the issues in the studio
    “We believe we’ve got one or two problems with the sound,” he told his audience.
    “If that’s the case then we do apologise and we’re working at it as we speak… if you can hear us that is!
    Read more Gary Lineker news
    “Apparently it’s better on iPlayer. If you want to switch that’s up to you but I’m sure we’ll get it resolved as quickly as we can.”
    Although that didn’t stop fans from voicing their disapproval online.
    One wrote: “What is up with the sound on match of the day @BBCMOTD#motd sounds like commentary from inside a tin can.”
    Another posted: “Match of the day sounds a bit robotic tonight.”
    Most read in Football
    A third shared: “Is the sound a bit funny on match of the day?”
    Lineker hit the headlines earlier this year when he was taken off TV after a tweet criticising the Conservative Party’s immigration policies.
    That sparked a massive protest amongst his fellow football pundits and Match of the Day staff.
    He was also outspoken about Qatar’s role as World Cup hosts at the end of last year regarding their human rights record.
    After Lineker returned from his brief suspension earlier this year, he then doubled down on his sentiments during an interview with Men’s Health Magazine.
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    He said: “When I sent that tweet, it honestly never even crossed my mind that it would lead to where it went.
    “I’ve worked with refugees’ charities for years. So, when I saw the Suella Braverman film, I said I thought it was pretty awful.
    “Then the ‘stick to football’ people weighed in and I replied to one of them, just saying there was no massive influx, the UK takes far fewer refugees than other European countries, this is a cruel policy, and the language used in the debate reminds us of the debate in Germany in the 1930s. I think that is factually accurate.” More

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    BBC presenter Jessica Ennis-Hill hailed as ‘amazing’ as Team GB legend stuns on World Athletics Championship coverage

    FANS have been praising Jessica Ennis-Hill as she presented the World Athletics Championship coverage on the BBC. The Team GB legend was helping to present the coverage of the Championships at which she became a three time Heptathlon gold medallist.
    Jessica Ennis-Hill stunned as she presented the World Athletics Championships on the BBCCredit: BBC
    She is a Team GB legend after her gold medal at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: EPA
    Jessica, who was previously named Britain’s most inspirational sportswoman, won gold at the 2009 Berlin, 2011 Daegu and 2015 Beijing World Championships.
    But it’s no longer her impressive athletics record that people are being wowed by and rather her new found role in presenting.
    One fan took to social media to say: “Jessica Ennis-Hill looking amazing this morning.”
    Another added: “The BBC’s team of commentators is again very good: Michael Johnson, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Denise Lewis”
    READ MORE ON ATHLETICS
    Whilst a third joked about what a pleasure it’d be to work with Jessica and Denise.
    They posted: “Michael Johnson spending nine days sat between Denise Lewis and Jessica Ennis-Hill. Hard life.”
    Fans were impressed by Jessica’s outfit as she sported a pale pink blouse and a pair of white trousers.
    The World Athletics Championships are currently being held in Budapest and run from the 19-27 August.
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    Jessica Ennis-Hill is best known for her incredible Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
    She also achieved a silver medal in the same event four years later during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
    Jessica Ennis-Hill recently attended Royal AscotCredit: Getty
    She was previously named as Britain’s most inspirational sportswomanCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    BBC Sport F1 host Jennie Gow ‘delighted and nervous’ as she announces return eight months after terrifying stroke

    BBC Sport Formula One broadcaster Jennie Gow has described her herself as “delighted and a little nervous” after revealing she is returning to the paddock.Gow, a fan favourite thanks to her exploits on Netflix’s Drive to Survive F1 series, revealed in January she had suffered a “serious stroke”.
    Jennie Gow has announced she will be returning to the F1 paddockCredit: Getty
    Gow revealed she suffered an ‘extremely rare’ strokeCredit: Getty
    But, eight months on from the traumatic ordeal, she has now confirmed she will be making a remarkable comeback at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.
    Taking to Twitter, Gow shared the incredible news with fans.
    She wrote: “I’m delighted (and a little nervous) to say that I will be returning to the F1 circuit for the Dutch GP.
    “It’s been almost eight months since my stroke and I’m still not able to do all the things I could before, but @IMG, @bbc5live and @F1 are going to help me get back into the pit lane to see how I go.
    READ MORE IN F1
    “My lovely therapists are supporting me and continue to remind me ‘I’m a work in progress and not the finished article’. So, please bear with me, mind the gaps and wish me luck.”
    In May, Gow appeared alongside her husband, Jamie Coley, in a film on BBC’s The One Show explaining her experience.
    In the short film, she began by recounting her career as an F1 reporter before saying: “But then my life changed dramatically.
    “At 45, I suffered a serious stroke. And I’ve spent the last few months learning to walk, and more significantly, to talk again.
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    Gow reserved special praise for Sky Sports for their support of husband Jamie Coley
    She broke down in tears when recounting her ordeal on The One Show in MayCredit: BBC
    “Just after Christmas I got sick, it wasn’t Covid, but I had a terrible cough and then my husband Jamie found me collapsed in the bathroom.”
    Jamie then revealed the panic which set over him at the time.
    He said: “I was trying to call your name and get you to speak to me and I was just getting nothing back from you. It was the worst moment of my life.”
    Upon hearing his response, Gow could not hold back her emotions and broke down into tears.
    In her return announcement post, she reserved special praise for Sky Sports F1 for the support they provided Jamie with.
    She added: “So many people to thank but at this point, I’ll just say a special thank you to @skysportf1 who have been supportive of my husband and me – I can’t thank them and their generosity enough.
    It’s been almost eight months since my stroke and I’m still not able to do all the things I could before, but @IMG, @bbc5live and @F1 are going to help me get back into the pit lane to see how I go.Jennie Gow@JennieGow/Twitter
    “I can’t wait to be back on your radio. I’ve missed it so much. Speak to you on Thursday!”
    Gow’s daughter, Isabel, was described as a “superstar” by Jamie, with the six-year-old rushing to grab some pillows and put them under her mothers head before passing the phone to him.
    After being rushed to Frimley Park hospital and receiving “very prompt” treatment, Gow later posted a message on social media.
    She wrote: “Hi everyone, been quiet the last few weeks, this is because I suffered a serious stroke two weeks ago.
    “My husband is helping me type this, as I’m finding it hard to write and my speech is most affected.
    “I’m desperate to make a full recovery and return to work but it might take some time.
    Gow is a fan favourite following appearances of Netflix’s Drive to Survive F1 series
    “Thank you to the medical teams at Frimley and St George’s and my family and friends who’ve got me through the last fortnight X.”
    Dr Thomas Pain, one of Gow’s consultants, appeared in the video to explain how her stroke was caused.
    He said: “The majority of strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel which supplies the brain.
    “Your stroke was caused by a clot from the carotid artery, in the neck, a tear in the blood vessel due to coughing and a viral infection you had at the time.
    “That clot flew up the vessel, causing the stroke on the left side of the brain.”
    After being transferred to a specialist unit at St Georges’ in London, Gow had her clot successfully removed before any significant damage was caused.
    In terms of the F1 season, Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated, not giving Lewis Hamilton a look in for race wins.
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    Indeed, prior to the mid-season break – which has seen stars jet off around the globe – Verstappen has won eight races in a row.
    And he will have the chance to extend his streak and equal Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 record of nine at his home Grand Prix next weekend.
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