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    Luke Littler to star in new sport on ITV as teen darts sensation links up with England legend and Ebanie Bridges

    LUKE LITTLER is swapping darts for a star-studded fishing debut on TV.The Nuke is “really excited” to join fellow sporting celebrities like David Seaman and boxer Ebanie Bridges in a field of 32.Luke Littler will cast his hand to a completely new sporting pastimeCredit: PAEbanie Bridges will go from the ring to anglingCredit: GettyDavid Seaman is joining the charity event in WarwickshireCredit: PALittler, 17, will go from slinging arrows at the board to flinging rods on the broads in the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship. ITV4 and ITVX will broadcast a two-hour package on July 30 following the charity event in Warwickshire.England football hero Terry Butcher, ex-boxing world champion Kell Brook and snooker icon Steve Davis are amongst the other big names taking part.Littler said: “I’ve never fished in my life so it’s completely new.READ MORE ON LUKE LITTLER”But I’m really excited to be fishing in the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship.”The Warrington whizkid has angled his way to the top at the oche after reaching the World Championship final in January aged just 16.Littler has been crowned Premier League Darts king, as well as winning the Bahrain Masters plus the Belgian and Austrian Opens.Now he will tackle fishing in a four-hour team event alongside three darts rivals in new US Masters champ Rob Cross, James Wade and Adrian Lewis.Most read in DartsThree Lions’ legend legend Terry Butcher will also competeCredit: GettyAlso featuring are British boxers Natasha Jonas and Terri Harper, sports promoter Barry Hearn, badminton personality Gail Emms and Rugby League trio Josh Charnley, Tom Briscoe and Sam Powell.The 12th annual Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship will raise funds for the Willow Foundation this year. ‘Get in the gym mate!’ says TikTok star as he responds to Luke Littler’s call-out for boxing matchInside Littler’s massive riseLUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.

    It’s the only national charity designed to provide uplifting and unique special-day experiences for adults aged 16 to 40 living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. Ex-England and Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman is an ambassador for the Willow Foundation.The fishing event itself is not open to the public.’He just eats potatoes on TikTok’ More

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    Major broadcasting change for Carabao Cup AND EFL games with Sky Sports and ITV set to show games for FREE

    FANS have been given a huge boost with Carabao Cup and EFL games to be shown for FREE.Sky Sports and ITV have reached an agreement that will allow fans to watch free-to-air coverage of the competitions.Fans will be able to watch some of the EFL and Carabao Cup for freeCredit: GettyMore matches will be shown on ITVThe deal will come into place in January 2025 and will commence with the Carabao Cup semi-finals.It will run until the end of the 2026/27 season and ITV will be able to jointly broadcast a select number of games on Sky Sports.The new agreement has been approved by EFL clubs.ITV will be able to screen at least nine Carabao Cup fixtures in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis includes one match from each of the first four rounds and one additional fixture from either the third or fourth round.ITV will also be able to show two of the quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final itself.Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht said: “This momentous upcoming season of over 1,000 matches from the EFL on Sky Sports+ shows our huge ambition and increased dedication to the EFL and its supporters.”Working with a free-to-air broadcaster isn’t new for us and many of our partners, as we endeavour to help grow and broaden audiences for sports.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”With ITV set to simulcast a select number of matches from the EFL from 2025 alongside Sky Sports full coverage, it means that millions of football fans in the UK will be able to enjoy plenty of action from the Cup and League, boosting the exposure for clubs which is great news for all.”ITV director of sport Niall Sloane added: “This deal brings viewers free-to-air coverage of top-level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular livematches to our highlights shows.Football icons’ strange hobbies”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action andinsight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”ITV will also be able to show ten matches from the Championship each full season of the deal.The next campaign will only be five as the deal is activated in January.The broadcaster will also have the option to flex the selected matches to League One and League Two. More

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    Laura Woods gives health update after horror injury worried fans as TNT Sports presenter ‘looks forward’ to Euro 2024

    LAURA WOODS is “looking forward” to hosting ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage as she provided a health update on her horror injury.Fans were devastated last week when the award-winning presenter was forced to pull out of the coverage for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight.Laura Woods appeared in public for the first time yesterday after her accidentCredit: GoffThe star suffered a nasty cut to her face and arm on holidayCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was taken to hospital to receive treatment by her boyfriend Adam CollardCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyITV announced Woods as presenter when confirming their Euro 2024 line-upCredit: ITVThat was due to a nasty-looking injury she suffered in a freak accident that left her hospitalised with Becky Ives replacing her on TNT Sports. Woods posted a heartfelt note on Friday to announce her nasty news that occurred while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.The TNT Sports and ITV star explained how she accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.That left her with some nasty injuries surrounding her eye and a large gash on the back of her arm but Woods bravely stepped out in public again yesterday.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThe 36-year-old, dressed in a smart black outfit and white trainers, covered her eyes with a pair of large sunglasses and kept her injuries protected by a bandage.Now concerned fans will not have to wait long to see the star back on their screens following the injuries.Rival channel BBC first announced their Euro 2024 line-up before ITV followed suit with their list of pundits and confirmation that Woods would be on presenting duties yesterday.As the broadcaster posted the news on X, Woods then shared the announcement along with a message that read: “Looking forward to this.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne of her many fans then replied: “How’s your face, girl? Hopefully recovering well.”To which Woods responded with: “Healing really well, I’m chuffed.”Laura Woods gets hair done and dresses up for award show Another asked her: “How’s your recovery going Laura?”And once again she reassured worried followers that she was well on the mend.“Really good thanks,” Woods responded. “A lot better than I thought it would go, so I’m really happy.”There was also one more confirmation that she would be back on our screens.A fellow follower said: “Great line up. Don’t come into contact with any glass ! We need you there!”And that led to her replying with a reassuring one-word answer that read: “Promise.”The action in Germany gets underway on June 4 when ITV provides live coverage of the opening match between the hosts and Scotland in Munich.READ MORE SUN STORIESITV will also show England’s final group game against Slovenia.And they will have picks one, two and three of the Round of 16 as well as first pick of the Semi-finals with Mark Pougatch also sharing hosting duties with Woods.The award-winning star has become a huge favourite with sport fansCredit: RexThe 36-year-old also fronts TNT Sports’ football coverageCredit: RexLaura Woods is in a relationship with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramWoods regularly wows her followers on social mediaCredit: InstagramShe has over 760,000 followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More

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    ITV snap up daughter of Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand-man as stunning commentator joins Euro 2024 coverage

    ITV’S latest addition to their Euro 2024 coverage is the daughter of a former Manchester United assistant manager.Pien Meulensteen, daughter of Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand-man Rene, will be part of ITV’s commentary team out in Germany this summer.Pien Meulensteen will be part of ITV’s coverage of Euro 2024Credit: instagram @pienmeulensteenPien graduated university with first class honours in broadcast journalismCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenThe 27-year-old was announced as part of ITV’s broadcasting team for the highly anticipated tournament.She will join Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight as the lead commentators live from the stadiums.Pien is no stranger to getting behind the mic with the Dutch-born journalist working for Sky Sports, DAZN, Amazon Prime and the Premier League in the past.Growing up in England to Dutch parents means Pien is able to speak fluently in both English and Dutch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe impressive talent has allowed her to work for Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport in the past too.This summer won’t be her first major tournament either, as she worked for the BBC in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.Pien studied broadcast journalism at Salford University and graduated with first class honours.Her incredible rise was recognised last year when she was named as the “One to Watch” at the 2023 Sports Journalism Awards.Most read in FootballBBC 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

    Football has always been in her blood thanks to her coaching icon father Rene Meulensteen.Rene had two spells as a coach at Manchester United, initially working as the reserve team manager between 2001 and 2006.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024He later became Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager, a position he held for five years from 2008 until 2013 when Fergie retired.During that period he helped the Red Devils achieve eight major trophies, including four Premier League titles and one Champions League.After leaving the club he tried his hand at management himself with brief spells as the boss at Fulham, Maccabi Haifa and Anzhi Makhachkala.He is now the assistant manager for the Australian national team where he has been assistant to Graham Arnold since 2018.TAKE A PEEK INTO PIEN MEULENSTEEN’S LIFE IN BROADCASTING…Pien has previously worked for Sky SportsCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe was named as the ‘One to Watch’ at the 2023 Sports Journalism AwardsCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe has covered Premier League, World Cup, WSL and European footballCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien’s father is Rene MeulensteenCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenRene Meulensteen was assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe now works as an assistant for the Australian national teamCredit: ReutersPien is a rising star in the world of sports broadcastingCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe also boasts an impressive social media following with over 22,000 followersCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien was born in the Netherland, but raised in the UKCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenShe documents her life on social mediaCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien works as a commentator and a reporterCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteen More

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    Who are the ITV Euro 2024 pundits?

    GARETH SOUTHGATE and his brave lions are gearing up to go one better this summer after their Euro 2020 heartbreak at Wembley.England lost out on penalties in the Covid delayed tournament three years ago, but go into this summer’s competition in Germany amongst the favourites.England are heading to Germany for Euro 2024Credit: GettyGareth Southgate will be hoping his side can finally get over the lineCredit: GettySouthgate has led his squad to a final, a semi-final and a quarter-final in the three major tournaments he has taken charge of since 2018.But his star-studded squad with inform stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will give him confidence of finally getting over the line this time round.His team isn’t the only set of stars that will be out in Germany though.ITV Sport, who will be sharing the coverage rights with the BBC for the competition, are taking a number of big names to the continent to bring fans the best broadcast possible during the tournament.A lineup that features broadcasting legends and former international football stars will be on screen for those fans watching on from their sofa to enjoy.Here’s who will be representing ITV for the highly anticipated tournament…Mark PougatchA familiar face for those who have watched England coverage on ITV before, Pougatch has plenty of experience in front of the camera.The 56-year-old host is ITV Sport’s chief sports presenter and has headed up broadcasts of huge events throughout his career that stems back to 1992.Most read in FootballLaura Woods Woods has become one of the most popular presenters in the land with the star often the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.Woods, 36, was part of ITV’s team for the 2022 World Cup and is an avid Arsenal fan.Laura Woods will head up some of the coverage for ITV SportCredit: GettyRoy KeaneKnown for his strong opinions off the pitch and his hard man persona on it, Roy Keane is one of the most popular figures in football punditry.The former Manchester United star made 67 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland and was the assistant manager of the national side between 2013 and 2018.Ian WrightAn Arsenal legend and an icon of football punditry too.The 33-time England international has just retired from a long stint on Match of the Day – fighting back tears in an emotional farewell – and will be swapping over to ITV for the Euros this summer.Full list of BBC 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.

    Gary NevilleNormally the face of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, Neville will be joining fellow Stick to Football podcasters Wright and Keane on ITV.Neville, 49, represented the Three Lions 85 times across five major tournaments as part of a golden generation that failed to end England’s many years of hurt.Gary Neville will be part of the ITV team in GermanyCredit: GettyAnge PostecogluFresh off finishing fifth in the Premier League with Tottenham, the Australian has signed himself up for a busy summer in Germany.He has become a hugely popular figure for his dry humour, straight talking and witty press conferences and should be a natural in the studio.Graeme SounessSouness left fans’ screens last season when he called an end to his time at Sky Sports, but he will be making a sensational return to join ITV for the European Championships in Germany.The former Scotland international, 70, will restart life on screen with Scotland v Germany on June 14.Lee DixonDixon is a veteran of ITV’s coverage and will be on co-commentary duty throughout the tournament. The former Arsenal man won four league titles, two FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 616 matches for the Gunners.Ally McCoistThe Scot has become a favourite on co-commentary duties during Champions League coverage for TNT Sports and Premier League coverage for Amazon – as well as his hosting on TalkSPORT.McCoist has previously appeared as a pundit for ITV but will be on co-comms in Germany.ITV’s televised group games
    June 14 – Germany v Scotland, 8pm
    June 15 – Hungary v Switzerland, 2pm
    June 15 – Spain v Croatia, 5pm
    June 16 – Slovenia v Denmark, 5pm
    June 17 -Belgium v Slovakia, 5pm
    June 17 – Austria v France, 8pm
    June 19 – Croatia v Albania, 2pm
    June 20 – Slovenia v Serbia, 2pm
    June 20 – Spain v Italy, 8pm
    June 21 – Poland v Austria, 5pm
    June 22 – Turkey v Portugal, 5pm
    June 22 – Belgium v Romania, 8pm
    June 25 -England v Slovenia, 8pm
    June 25 – Denmark v Serbia, 8pm
    June 26 -Georgia v Portugal, 8pm
    June 26 -Czech Republic v Turkey, 8pm

    Andros Townsend The winger has just suffered relegation heartbreak with Luton Town but will have to cast that aside.He has regularly covered England for a variety of broadcasters in recent months.Danny RohlThe Sheffield Wednesday manager is the only German pundit on either ITV or BBC.Rohl,35, is the youngest manager in the Football League and is seen as one of the brightest minds of the next generation of coaches – he secured the Owls from relegation.Karen CarneyFew people are more qualified to talk about England than Karen Carney with the former Arsenal and Chelsea star racking up an astounding 144 caps for the England Women’s team.The 36-year-old only retired in 2019 and has been a leading pundit across ITV, Sky Sports and CBS ever since.Eni AlukoAluko, 37, managed to breach 100 appearances for the England Women’s team during her career.Now fans will know her best for her punditry as a regular on ITV.READ MORE SUN STORIESChristina UnkelThe American will be a refereeing analyst for the channel, a role formerly filled by Mark Clattenburg.Unkel, 37, is a regular on the popular CBS Champions League show alongside Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher, where she acts in the same role. More

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    Ange Postecoglou closing in on second job as Tottenham boss set for busy summer alongside pre-season planning

    TOTTENHAM boss Ange Postecoglou is set to land a new job for the summer, according to reports.The Aussie led Spurs to a fifth place finish in the Premier League during his first campaign in charge of the club.Ange Postecoglou is set to appear on TV screens during the EurosCredit: RexTottenham are currently Down Under to play a post-season friendly against Newcastle tomorrow.And Postecoglou will not have much time off this summer as he is set to appear as a Euro 2024 pundit.Both the BBC and ITV are interested in snapping him up for the major tournament.And the Mail claim ITV are currently leading the two-way battle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou’s busy summer could see him work as a pundit, assist with Spurs’ transfer business and be in charge of the club’s pre-season training.The Beeb and ITV will officially unveil their punditry teams for the Euros soon.Host nation Germany kick-off the tournament against Scotland on June 14.Meanwhile, both broadcasters have supposedly been snubbed by Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe German has opted for a break over appearing on screens after his emotional Anfield farewell.David Moyes, who has left West Ham after nearly five years in charge, will work with talkSPORT during the Euros alongside Everton ace Ashley Young.Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000Punditry legend Graeme Souness is set to return to TV screens with ITV.And Wayne Rooney has been tipped to join the BBC. More

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    Tyson Fury REFUSES to face Oleksandr Usyk in head-to-head with fans adamant Gypsy King is ‘scared as f**k’

    FANS sunk Tyson Fury on a split decision – after he refused to face Oleksandr Usyk in the final pre-fight press conference.Some viewers claimed it meant Fury “has already lost” Saturday’s clash for the undisputed heavyweight title and looks “scared as f***”.Tyson Fury avoided Oleksandr Usyk’s gaze in a move that divided opinion amongst fight-lovers on social mediaCredit: ReutersFury was either ‘scared’ or had Usyk ‘rattled’ – depending on your viewCredit: ReutersIf looks could thrill – each fighter had his own way of looking toughCredit: EPABut others reckon the Gypsy King’s unusual ploy was a masterstroke of mind games ahead of the fight of the year in Saudi Arabia.Fury had begun Thursday by pulling out of a live interview for ITV’S Good Morning Britain.And Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up to the weekend blockbuster by reportedly filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.Things then came to a head – or rather they didn’t – when the Gypsy King refused to look at, let alone do the traditional face-to-face posturing, with his Ukrainian opponent.READ MORE TOP STORIESIn contrast, Usyk maintained a stony stare at Fury – only shifting when it was his turn for the obligatory fist-raising, bicep-bulging photos.Meanwhile, the Gypsy King – wearing orange-flamed trousers, waistcoat and big, black fedora-style hat – looked anywhere but at the 37-year-old.Fury, 35, mainly appeared emotionless on the surface, although there were occasional hints of a smirk or a reflective nod of his head – as well as a snarling expression when posing next to his rival.But many fans reckon his odd antics were a sign of fear, not a clever ploy.Most read in BoxingUsyk couldn’t put his finger on Fury’s behaviourCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne viewer said: “Fury has already lost, he can’t even look at Usyk, he’s absolutely bricking it.”Similar posts included “nervous AF” and “Fury is shook!”Anthony Joshua’s trainer Ben Davison gives Fury vs Usyk prediction & says winner MUST fight AJ nextOthers agreed – with jibes like “Usyk owns him already” and “Fury looked scared throughout the press conference”.But 48 hours before the battle of unbeaten icons, the Gypsy King also had backers in the online sparring between amateur body-language experts.One fan wrote: “Tyson Fury has this Ukrainian victim rattled. Time to finish off the job on Saturday! The defensive genius is getting knocked out.”Another raved: “I love this move by Fury!”And a third scoffed at suggestions the Gypsy King was worried – posting “Fury looks terrified” alongside a laughing emoji.With the 6ft 9ins Mancunian standing six inches taller than Usyk, one boxing enthusiast joked: “Look at the height difference! Tyson Fury was looking for Usyk’s eyes but he couldn’t find where he was.”But whatever your view on the odd exchange, one message spoke for all fans shivering with anticipation for Saturday’s match-up: “Chills.” More

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    Tyson Fury forced to withdraw from live TV interview days before undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk

    TYSON FURY was forced to pull out of an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Thursday.The Gypsy King, 35, is preparing to take on Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Tyson Fury was forced to cancel an appearance on Good Morning BritainCredit: AFPOleksandr Usyk will face off against Fury on Saturday nightCredit: AFPIt is set to be the biggest fight of the year as boxing looks to crown its first undisputed heavyweight king since Lennox Lewis.Fury was due to promote the clash on Good Morning Britain just over 48 hours before the fight.However, he ended up having to withdraw due to his training schedule.A Good Morning Britain spokesperson said: “Tyson was caught up this morning with training commitments and we look forward to welcoming him back on the show soon.”READ MORE IN BOXINGFight week started off chaotically when Tyson’s dad, John, headbutted a member of Usyk’s team.Fury and Usyk then took to the ring for their public workouts on Wednesday.Unified heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk, 37, played mind games by turning from his usual orthodox stance to a southpaw one.But switch-hitter Fury then responded by also boxing southpaw.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Sky ahead of the blockbuster clash, Fury said: “I think we’ll find out on Saturday whose destiny it is, mine or his.”We both can’t have the destiny of being the undisputed in this era, and we won’t be young enough to go into another era undisputed.”So it’s D-Day for both fighters.”Frank Warren close to tears discussing Tyson Fury’s mental health battles ahead of Usyk bout More