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      Match of the Day’s future decided as TV giants snub show ‘amid fears over viewing figures and advertising market’

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      THE BBC is set to retain the rights for Match of the Day.According to The Daily Mail, the iconic show will remain with the broadcaster for another four years from 2025.
      The BBC is set to retain the rights for Match of The DayCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker is expected to hold contract talks with the broadcasterCredit: Alamy
      The likes of Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV decided against bidding for the rights to Match of the Day as they do not find it commercially viable.
      All three broadcasters cited falling viewing figures and a difficult advertising market as their reasons for not bidding.
      ITV and Channel 4 have both strengthened their football coverage in recent years by winning the rights to England matches.
      However, neither will be able to show the Premier League in the near future.
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      ITV executives held exploratory talks with England’s top tier in recent weeks, but they concluded that taking Match of the Day on will risk disrupting their Saturday evening entertainment schedule.
      The commercial factor is also a concern as all Premier League goals are now available to view online shortly after 5:15pm each Saturday.

      Fewer matches are also set to take place on Saturdays in the next broadcast cycle from 2025 to 2029 meaning broadcasters will likely have to pay for two highlights shows – something they are reluctant to do.
      The first episode of Match of the Day was aired in 1964.
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      Gary Lineker has presented the popular Saturday night show since 1999.
      The BBC’s retention of Match of the Day will trigger new contract talks with the former England striker.
      There are no guarantees he will remain with the show after a bumpy year.
      If he were to move on, bookmakers make Jermaine Jenas the favourite to become the new host at 2/1.
      Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman are among the other top contenders should the hotseat become vacant. More

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      My dad is a Gogglebox legend – now I’m making my own way as a boxer after being rejected by Channel 4

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      MARCUS LUTHER and his wife Mica are legends of Channel 4’s Gogglebox – but one member of their family has had to try something else after bosses snubbed him.Mica has two daughters from a previous relationship, Sachelle and Shuggy, while they share a son Yash.
      Marcus and Mica are Gogglebox legendsCredit: Channel 4
      Shiloh Defreitas, middle, is Marcus’ sonCredit: @therealmarcusluther
      Defreitas is a 4-0 unbeaten boxerCredit: Rex
      But Marcus also has a son from another relationship, Shiloh Defreitas, who is currently a 4-0 boxing prospect.
      Defreitas was originally touted to be on the series as he told the BBC in 2021: “Yeah I tried going on the show once – it didn’t work out.”
      And his dad Marcus brutally added: “Gogglebox is not for everyone.
      “Not everyone can ‘Goggle’. He’s too aggressive. Me and him just argued so I told him to sling his hook.
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      “The producers were trying to help him out but then he’d go off on one again. No Gogglebox for him, he’s a fighter.”
      Defreitas won his opening two pro bouts by stoppage in 2021 but has fought just twice over the last two years, winning both on points.
      He turned over as a successful amateur having represented England and the famous Repton Boxing Club.
      Defreitas is coached by his dad, who is still the most famous face in the family.
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      He said: “I see him on billboards and all sorts, it’s crazy.
      “At the weigh-in of my first fight, the Covid testing lady asked me to take a photo of her and him.
      “Even the ring announcer wanted a photo with him – it’s madness.”
      But Marcus, who trained in kickboxing and martial arts himself, said: “I’m known for Gogglebox but now people will see that I’m not just about sitting on the sofa. I’m about boxing and have been for years.”
      The father and coach also trains his youngest Yash, a currently unbeaten amateur prospect.
      Yash and his friend Dylan shot to fame on social media and have bright futures in the sport themselves.
      Defreitas has won four out of four fightsCredit: Rex
      Marcus’ youngest son Yash is an amateur boxing sensationCredit: @therealmarcusluther More

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      Gianfranco Zola breaks silence on TV gaffe that left Bellingham in stitches as Chelsea icon says ‘I didn’t mean THAT’

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      CHELSEA legend Gianfranco Zola addressed his recent hilarious gaffe that left England star Jude Bellingham laughing his socks off.Zola was part of the Channel 4 panel covering the Three Lions’ 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley where Gareth Southgate’s men punched their ticket for Euro 2024.
      Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola addressed his hilarious gaffe at WembleyCredit: Channel 4
      Zola left England star Jude Bellingham in stitches after the Italy gameCredit: Channel 4
      Bellingham, 20, led the brigade after Gianluca Scamacca’s opener as he won the penalty that Harry Kane converted to score his first goal and provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s finish.
      The Italian shook off his country’s loss and rose above it by praising the Real Madrid superstar’s stunning performance as he got something off his chest.
      Zola told Bellingham: “I have to say it makes me laugh, because at 20 years old I was still drinking milk from my mum.”
      That was when the star midfielder and the rest of the panel were left in stitches.
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      The 57-year-old appeared on talkSPORT earlier today where his viral gaffe was revisited.
      And the former striker proved to be a good sport as he couldn’t stop giggling along with presenters Alan Brazil and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
      Once he regained his composure, the ex-Italy international explained he got “lost in translation”.
      Brazil said: “I thought your English was very good!”
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      Zola responded: “Yeah but sometimes I get lost in translation! I didn’t mean that!”
      The Chelsea great then finally got the chance to say exactly what he wanted to tell Bellingham after full-time.
      Zola said: “The fact is I am still very, very impressed by this young boy.
      “Not only in the way he behaves on the pitch, but the maturity, talking, the composure.
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      Zola explained he got lost in translation in that hilarious momentCredit: talkSPORT
      “I tell you something, there are moments in the game when things are not going your way and the tendency is to go along with it.
      “There was one player not giving up in that moment, I noticed that, it was Bellingham. He created everything from nothing. Italy was going very well, they were controlling the game.
      “But Bellingham himself created the first goal with an acceleration for the penalty. Then, the second one he created another fantastic acceleration.
      “I was really impressed and I wanted to let him know that. But I didn’t expect that!” More

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      Jude Bellingham left in stitches on live TV after Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola’s bizarre breast milk story

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was bent double with laughter by an astonishing breast milk revelation from Gianfranco Zola live on Channel 4.The England hero and TV pundits were open-mouthed at Chelsea legend Zola’s surprise trip down Mammary Lane following the 3-1 win over Italy.
      Jude Bellingham and Joe Cole lead the uproarious response to Gianfranco Zola’s surprise reminiscence about his own life aged 20Credit: https://twitter.com/C4Sport
      Zola tries to talk his way out of it after a comparison between himself and Bellingham didn’t go quite the way he meantCredit: https://twitter.com/C4Sport
      Bellingham was being interviewed on his star man performance – but instead it was Zola who got something off his chest.
      The former Italy striker 57, is in awe of the Real Madrid midfielder’s achievements so early in his career – but voiced it with a shock confession.
      The ex-West Ham manager exclaimed: “I have  to say it makes me laugh, because at 20 years old I was still drinking milk from my mum.”
      Bellingham, 20, almost split his sides in response as he rocked around grinning.
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      Former England and Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole was almost as hysterical as the current Three Lions’ midfielder.
      But in the end it was Bellingham who got Zola off the hook.
      The smiling Italian had instantly realised some might take his youthful comparison too literally.
      But when Zola tried to clarify that he was only using a figure of speech, he only got as far as: “No, I mean…”
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      That’s because he was drowned out by laughter.
      Fortunately, Bellingham retained enough composure to finish the job for Zola by adding: “Not directly!”
      No interview could truly regain a serious note after that.
      And that’s a tiny shame for Bellingham – as, on the night England sealed qualification for Euro 2024, he was the cream of the crop. More

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      in Soccer

      Jordan Henderson admits he DID go to Saudi Arabia for the money as Liverpool legend opens up on controversial transfer

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      JORDAN HENDERSON admits money WAS one reason for his controversial switch to Al-Ettifaq.The Liverpool legend, 32, says it “hurt” to be booed by England fans unhappy with his move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is banned.
      Jordan Henderson came on as victory vs Italy sealed England’s place in the Euro finals, having been booed when coming off against Australia four days earlierCredit: Getty
      But he claims there has been confusion over the motives for his £700,000-A-WEEK transfer – having previously appearing to deny he had forgotten his morals for a mega pay day.
      The midfielder told Channel 4 ahead of England’s 3-1 defeat of Italy: “I did an interview a couple of months ago and maybe some of the stuff that came out didn’t come out in the way that I thought I said it.
      “An example of that would be when I said I didn’t go out there solely for the money. 
      “I think that’s a big difference – it’s not a sole reason going out there for the money.” 
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      But Henderson, who has been a vocal backer of LGBTQ+ rights, insists he has come under no pressure to change his views since joining the Saudi Pro League over the summer.
      He apologised last month for any upset caused by moving to a country with a notorious record for human rights.
      And now the 80-cap star claims: “I think having someone like myself, with the values that I have, in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing. 
      “Before I went to Saudi, people knew the groups I supported and helped in the past.
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      “My values haven’t changed as a person just because I’m going to a different country to play football.”
      And he added: “Not once since I’ve been there have they said I can’t do this or I can’t say that.”
      Henderson has “no regrets” over a transfer that in July left him earning THREE TIMES more than Three Lions skipper Harry Kane.
      But he revealed his mixed feelings over the hostile reaction from Wembley supporters when he was taken off in last Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
      The workhorse explained: “Of course it hurts because every time you pull on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I’m playing for my team-mates, for my country and for the fans.
      “But at the end of the day that’s part and parcel – I’ve had enough criticism over my career so far to be able to deal with stuff like that.” More

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      Jules Breach stuns in white top for England vs Australia at Wembley as fans call her ‘best part of Channel 4’s coverage’

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      JULES BREACH delighted fans as she hosted coverage of England’s friendly clash with Australia.The 36-year-old has been a hugely popular addition as Channel 4’s host for Three Lions matches.
      Jules Breach is Channel 4’s popular presenterCredit: Channel 4
      Jules was presenting alongside pundits Jill Scott, Harry Kewell and Joe Cole
      Tonight she headed to Wembley for England’s clash with the Socceroos.
      She was joined in the studio by pundits Jill Scott, Harry Kewell and Joe Cole.
      Jules wore a smart white top and beige trousers for the coverage.
      And fans enjoyed her hosting.
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      One even tweeted: “Jules Breach is the only decent part of Channel 4’s England coverage.”
      Breach also works as a touchline reporter for TNT Sports’ Premier League coverage.
      And fans were recently stunned by her height difference with Peter Crouch.
      One joked: “The height difference is like a full person.”
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      While another said: “Why does it look like Crouch is using stilts.”
      Meanwhile at Wembley, boss Gareth Southgate selected an experimental line-up for the match.
      Sam Johnstone was handed a start in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to right-back.
      Fikayo Tomori partners Lewis Dunk at centre-half, with Levi Colwill on the left.
      James Maddison starts alongside Jordan Henderson and Conor Gallagher in midfield, with Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish on the flanks.
      Ollie Watkins leads the line with Harry Kane given a rare night on the bench.
      On his selection, Southgate said: “We need to find out about people.
      “We need to keep the squad engaged.
      “We’ve had quite a turnover in players, particularly at the back, where we’ve got quite a few players without many caps and we need to build their experiences.”
      Breach has become a popular regular on Channel 4Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Jules was described as ‘the best thing’ about Channel 4’s England coverageCredit: Channel 4 More

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      England matches to be shown on new channel as Channel 4 lose rights

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      ITV have won back the rights to show England men’s matches.The broadcaster has agreed a four-year deal to take over the responsibility from Channel 4.
      England matches will be shown on ITV from 2024Credit: Getty
      ITV will take over the rights from September 2024 once Channel 4’s agreement ends.
      The broadcaster will show all the men’s matches outside of the major tournaments such as the World Cup and Euros.
      The deal includes friendlies, qualifiers and Nations League matches.
      The channel is no stranger to showing England matches having shared the coverage with Sky Sports until last year.
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      Channel 4 then took the rights for the Nations League and European Qualifiers until Euro 2024.
      When Euro 2024 starts ITV will share the coverage rights with the BBC as they usually do for major tournaments.

      The move has been hailed by bosses at the broadcaster.
      Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, said: “We’re delighted to bring the England men’s team back to ITV, which keeps coverage of their progress between major tournaments on free to air television.
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      “We have an experienced team here who are looking forward to bringing viewers all the action and insight from England’s qualification campaigns in the coming years.”
      Coverage will include Jude Bellingham and Co trying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
      Qualification for Euro 2028 will also be shown.
      The Three Lions have been in fine form and look set to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany next year.
      Gareth Southgate’s side have won four from their opening five qualifiers leaving them top of the group.
      Last time out England were held to a 1-1 draw by third-placed Ukraine.
      During Channel 4’s coverage of the match fans were left fuming as a technical blunder left them watching a black screen.
      England followed up that result with a 3-1 win over Scotland in a friendly match at Hampden Park. More

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      Awkward moment Joe Cole’s jaw drops on Channel 4 as Graeme Souness calls current England crop the real Golden Generation

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      GRAEME SOUNESS hailed the current crop of England stars the real Golden Generation – in front of a gutted Joe Cole.The awkward conversation happened during Channel 4’s coverage of the Three Lions’ win over old enemy Scotland on Tuesday.
      Joe Cole’s jaw dropped at Graeme Souness’ Golden Generation claimCredit: C4 Sport

      Souness – who was returning to the nation’s TV screens after leaving Sky Sports at the end of last season – was massively impressed by Gareth Southgate’s side.
      Discussing England’s prospects at next summer’s Euros, Souness was bullish.
      He said: “This is the Golden Generation,” explained the Liverpool legend.
      “Forget with Frank (Lampard) and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes. They have got strength in depth.”

      And viewers couldn’t help but feel awkward with Cole sitting next to the Liverpool and Scotland legend.
      Cole was part of England’s so-called Golden Generation from the start of the century which, of course, failed to land any silverware.
      And, although he looked shocked at first, Cole could later be seen nodding his head as Souness continued.
      The former England midfielder also admitted “I agree” during the debate.
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      Cole was taken aback when Souness mentioned the Golden GenerationCredit: Channel 4
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      Souness, Cole and Jill Scott had been left impressed by what they had seen from the Three Lions at Hampden Park.
      Two goals in three minutes from Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham established a two-goal lead before half-time.
      Harry Kane then sealed a 3-1 victory after Harry Maguire’s own goal.
      England return to Euro 2024 qualifying against Italy next month, before concluding their campaign against Malta and North Macedonia in November.
      Four points from those matches will be enough to confirm their place at the tournament in Germany next summer.
      Southgate will be hoping his side can go one further than their shootout defeat to Italy in the final in 2021. More