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    Fans all switch over to ITV as Euro 2024 host is ‘substituted’ for Laura Woods in ‘seamless’ transition

    FOOTBALL fans have all made sure to turn on ITV, and it’s not just to watch France take on Austria.ITV made a “seamless” substitution during their Euro 2024 coverage on Monday evening as they switched hosts between their two televised games.Fans have tuned in to ITV to watch Laura Woods host their Euro 2024 coverageCredit: ITVWoods ‘seamlessly’ replaced Mark Pougatch, who had hosted the 5pm kick on ITVCredit: RexExperienced presenter Mark Pougatch brought fans at home coverage of the 5pm kick off between Belgium and Slovakia – a shock 1-0 win for the latter.But after the game concluded, the broadcaster managed a smooth transition to a whole new studio team in Germany with Laura Woods coming in to replace Pougatch as host of the 8pm kick off.Armchair supporters were impressed by the smooth transition with one labelling it as “seamless”.Others were happy to see award-winning presenter Laura Woods on their TV screens as an added bonus to their coverage on a Monday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYWoods was joined for the coverage by a star-studded cast of Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright.On social media, one fan wrote: “Laura Woods is such a pro.”While another added: “Nev, Keano and Wright with Laura Woods! 100x better!”A third commented: “Laura Woods is literally one of the best in the game at her job!” Most read in Euro 2024Woods was joined on ITV by Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Roy KeaneCredit: ITVEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd a fourth posted: “I enjoy listening to Wright, Neville and Keane.”They’re even better when they’re asked the brilliant questions that Laura Woods explores them with as well.”Laura Woods often steals the attention thanks to her show-stopping looksWoods has made her return to TV after suffering an horrific injury last month.The 36-year-old was left with huge facial gashes and a cut on her arm after a freak accident while away with boyfriend Adam Collard.Woods revealed she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter, leaving her with the horror injuries.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

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    Who is ITV Euro 2024 commentator Jon Champion?

    ITV have revealed it’s line up for coverage of Euro 2024.There will be big name presenters such including Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch as well as a host of big name pundits such as Ian Wright and Roy Keane.Jon Champion is on ITV’s commentary of the EurosCredit: RexBut who will be covering the live match action?Jon Champion will be one of the broadcaster’s commentators in Germany. Who is Jon Champion?Jon Champion is a British commentator who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.He has worked for ITV, BBC, ESPN and NBC Sports. Champion is a household name for those who have played Pro Evoluation Soccer or PES for short. He worked with ITV on their Champions League coverage from 2001 before signing with ESPN UK in 2009.Born in Harrogate on May 23 1965, Champion’s distinguished career has seen him work on the last seven World Cups.In 2014 he was nominated as Best Newcomer in American Sports Broadcasting for his ESPN work at the Brazil World Cup.Most read in FootballIconic moments of his include Eric Cantona’s leap into the crowd and Michael Owen World Cup wonder-goal against Argentina.He reportedly lives in Gloucestershire with his wife and four children.Champion is a York City fan. More

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    Fans say ‘not sure about Roy Keane’s trousers’ after spotting incredible optical illusion live on ITV during Euro 2024

    FOOTIE fans were left in stitches after an odd optical illusion saw Roy Keane appear to be wearing flags for legs!Keane was standing alongside Gary Neville and Ian Wright ahead of Spain’s Group B opening tie against Croatia on ITV.Fans have had fun with Roy Keane’s trouser optical illusionTo the delight of spectators at home, Keane has been on fine form since landing in Germany for his Euro 2024 punditry duties.The former Manchester United captain tore into Scotland after their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of hosts Germany on Friday night.Speaking on ITV, he said: “When you’re playing football at this level you’ve got to hit people. Hit them properly, hit them aggressively, do it in the right way.”It’s no good talking after the game about ‘We had a game plan’ – rubbish. Andrew Robertson, it’s all just rubbish coming out. You knew before the game what was at stake.”read more football newsBut now fans have decided to get their own back, after mocking Keane’s positioning behind the pundit desk with both the Spanish and Croatian flags directly under him.He was perfectly standing behind the German and Scottish flags last night too.One account wrote: “I’m not sure about Roy Keane’s trousers.”A second said: “On ITV’s big night at the Euros, Roy Keane softens his hard man image with these lovely, floaty pantaloons.”Most read in footballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother wrote: “He looks like he’s playing the wheel of fortune.”A third said: “Roy Keane’s trousers are ridiculous.”Roy Keane ‘obliterates’ Scotland in furious post-match rant after Germany run riot in Euro 2024 openerBefore another said: “Obviously Roy Keane is the one who ‘wears the trousers’ in his house.”While one more wrote: “Now, we don’t like mixed scarves but what do we think of Roy Keane’s trousers?”Keane also went viral on Wright’s TikTok after he hid from fans in a German shopping centre, while the Arsenal legend opted to pose with locals.When footage zoomed in on him, Keane, 52, could be seen cheekily grinning.After finishing up his photos, Wright cackled as he approached his mate.Keane hid from fans in a shopping centre before the Euros startedEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBBC 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

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    Ian Wright pays emotional tribute to former team-mate and friend Kevin Campbell in heartbreaking moment on ITV coverage

    IAN WRIGHT paid tribute to his friend and former team-mate Kevin Campbell after he died aged 54.The former Arsenal striker passed away following a short illness.🗣️ “He meant the whole world to a lot of people, especially myself.”Ian Wright pays respect to his former strike partner, Kevin Campbell, after his tragic passing today 🙏#Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/g96zoxD7kA— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2024

    Ian Wright paid tribute to his friend Kevin Campbell after his deathTributes have poured in for Campbell, including from the Gunners as well as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who he also played for.Wright also expressed his sadness at the news on social media before being asked about his friend during an appearance on ITV covering the Euros.The Gunners legend fought back tears as he honoured Campbell, who made 213 appearances for Arsenal.He said: “I can’t really go too deep into it, it’s very fresh I only heard [the news] this morning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My best wishes and condolences go to his family but it’s too soon for me to talk about it.”Every time I start talking about it I start to well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people especially myself.”Campbell passed away after being admitted to hospital at the end of May.A host of former team-mates have paid tribute to Campbell, including Wayne Rooney.Most read in FootballHe said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell has died- emotional tributes pour in for the 54-year-old who enjoyed two decades playing professional footballWhile his old Arsenal captain Tony Adams wrote: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.” More

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    ITV viewing figures revealed for Euro 2024 opening game as more than 10million tune in for best ratings in a decade

    ITV enjoyed a fantastic start to Euro 2024 as 10million viewers tuned in to watch Germany’s demolition of Scotland.The hosts ran riot in Munich, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes before going on to win 5-1 against the ten man Scots.Germany v Scotland broke a record for viewing figuresCredit: GettyAnd while Germany celebrated, ITV also had plenty to cheer after achieving stunning ratings.A peak of 10.4m tuned in to watch the Euros opener – the highest peak audience of any opening to a major football tournament in a decade, with an average of 9.1m viewers across 90 minutes.That is a considerable increase from the average of 5.2m viewers who watched the opening game of Euro 2020 on the BBC, which had a peak audience of just 6.9m.ITV and BBC are sharing coverage of Euro 2024, with England’s opener against Serbia on Sunday to be shown on BBC One.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScotland fans have supported their team well, either from home or in Germany.It is estimated 100,000 Scots travelled to Germany to cheer on the Tartan Army, with thousands getting trapped outside the stadium ahead of their opening match.Supporters even drank Glasgow Airport dry before 9am as they flew out to Munich.Meanwhile the BBC will hope to eclipse the average audience of 7.4m that watch England’s first game of the 2022 World Cup against Iran.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBBC 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

    England almost pulled in a record number of viewers for their Euro 2020 final against Italy.Around 31m watched that clash – just 1.3m short of the audience who tuned in for the 1966 World Cup final.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlinesUltimate sports presenters rich list

    TV sports presenters make a mint.
    The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.
    Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.
    Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.
    Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.
    SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.
    With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!
    Read the story and see the full list here. More

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    ITV VAR expert Christina Unkel is a former player, referee and current president of up-and-coming US team

    ITV expert Christina Unkel has done it all.The American, 37, will be gracing our screens as a refereeing analyst throughout Euro 2024.Christina Unkel picked up her first whistle at a young ageCredit: GettyChristina Unkel is a feature of the CBS Champions League show alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: Instagram @christina.unkelThe former ref advanced quickly through FIFA’s ranksCredit: GettyAnd it is hard to think of anybody more qualified to talk us through the inevitable VAR controversies.Unkel’s refereeing career started when she was just 10.The youngster’s coach Bob Harris – a referee and assessor – told her to stop shouting at officials, who she felt were not paying enough attention to girls’ games.Told she could either take a course or stop voicing her opinions, Unkel became a certified US Soccer Referee in Cape Coral, Florida.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I could ref two games and make $40 and have all the concession stand food you could want,” she said in an interview with Stetson University.“For me, it was kind of a no brainer. It was something where I could play and practice soccer and then on my off-days referee. I ended up falling in love with it.”The rising star continued to play as well and featured at the collegiate level for Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she unfortunately suffered a torn ACL.After recovering while at Stetson University College of Law, Unkel began travelling to referee and ended up overseeing over 80 professional games while continuing her studies.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I would go to school, then on Friday afternoons I would fly out to some place and do a game and then fly back on Sunday evening to go back to school on Monday,” she told the University’s website.Unkel received her FIFA badge in 2013 at just 25 years old – the youngest possible age.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBest XI of players snubbed for Euro 2024She has been involved with VAR since its introduction in the MLS in 2017.The former whistler is a refereeing analyst on the CBS Champions League show, which has soared in popularity on both sides of the pond.Unkel regularly features alongside host Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.She has now replaced Mark Clattenburg on ITV and made her debut as Germany hammered Scotland.As well as working for ITV and CBS, Christina previously worked at Fox Sports and Paramount+ and has also been a journalist for The Athletic.A qualified attorney, Unkel is the president and general counsel for the Tampa Bay Sun – an expansion team who will enter the USL Super League this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe describes herself as an entrepreneur and has co-founded multiple businesses, including Scorch Fitness and the Deadlift Effect, sports science and strength training firms.She is married to current MLS referee Ted, with the couple having one daughter, Quinn.Unkel made her ITV debut as Germany beat ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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    ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage interrupted by loud sirens as pundits turn away from camera after Germany vs Scotland

    ITV’S coverage of Euro 2024 was interrupted by loud sirens, forcing their pundits to turn away from the camera.Ian Wright, Graeme Souness and Roy Keane were all on duty for Friday’s clash between Germany and Scotland.ITV pundits were left distracted by loud sirens after Germany’s win over ScotlandThe group tried talking as sirens rang out at several different timesIan Wright looked away from the camera at one point to see what was going onThe hosts opened the tournament with a 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena.And the Scots were left to lick their wounds as a dismal performance was analysed by ITV’s team of experts.The TV channel decided to set up base for the tournament in the German capital of Berlin.Breaking from tradition, ITV chiefs opted for an outdoor studio in the heart of the city.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was always bound to come with certain risks that don’t arise with an indoor setting.But on the very first night of the Euros, ITV’s coverage was disturbed as blaring sirens went off right by the outdoor studio.As Wright, Souness and Keane delivered their thoughts on Scotland’s defeat, the sharp loud noise almost brought talk to a halt.The flow of conversation started quickly again, but fans found it difficult to hear what was being said as several more sirens went past.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd at one point, Arsenal icon Wright turned away from the camera to look over the balcony and see what was going on.Viewers at home were certainly distracted by the surprising turn of events.Roy Keane ‘obliterates’ Scotland in furious post-match rant after Germany run riot in Euro 2024 openerOne said: “Can’t hear the pundits for the sirens on the Germany v Scotland end of match analysis.”Another declared: “This open air studio for ITV isn’t really working with all the sirens.”One noted: “What is going on in Germany, there is a lot of sirens going off on ITV.”Another yelled: “Can’t even hear Souness over all the sirens. I see the chaos must have started.”One boomed: “Sirens slightly unfortunate for the ITV outdoor studio.”Another added: “Those sirens are incredibly loud on ITV’s coverage.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    Meet ITV VAR expert Christina Unkel – former referee part of punditry team at Euro 2024

    CHRISTINA UNKEL is the refeering analyst for ITV during Euro 2024 and will be part of the coverage throughout the tournament.Although she is new to these shores, the American has had a formidable career both in the middle and off the pitch.Christina Unkel (left) is a feature of the CBS Champions League show alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: Instagram @christina.unkelUnkel is a former referee who took charge of games Stateside.She was a Fifa-licensed referee before hanging up her whistle and making a move into media.Unkel, who has also worked as the president of the Tampa Bay Sun, replaces Mark Clattenburg as ITV’s refereeing analyst for Euro 2024.The 37-year-old analyst has become a hugely popular figure for doing the same job on American TV.Full list of ITV Presenters and Pundits
    Presenters – Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods.
    Pundits – Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglu, Danny Rohl, Christina Unkel.
    Co-commentary – Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend.
    Commentary – Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesly, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen, Joe Speit.

    Champions League ExperienceShe is a refeering analyst on the CBS Champions League show, which has soared in popularity on both sides of the pond.Unkel regularly features alongside host Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.As part of ITV’s pundit line up, she will line up alongside the likes of Laura Woods, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville.According to her website, Unkle also has a career as a litigation attorney, focusing on “complex business and construction litigation” with a focus on sports law – she is also a committee member of the US National Soccer Hall of Fame.Most read in Euro 2024She also played football at the collegiate level before moving into the professional game as a referee.As well as working for ITV and CBS, Christina previously worked at Fox Sports and Paramount+ and has also been a journalist for The Athletic.EntrepreneurShe describes herself as an entrepreneur and has co-founded multiple businesses, including Scorch Fitness and the Deadlift Effect, sports science and strength training firms.Christina, who also regularly appears as a speaker at corporate events, graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic, the Stetson MBA Program and Stetson Law.She is married to Ted, with the couple having one daughter, Quinn. More