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

    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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    England women’s World Cup final is second-most watched event of 2023 but did BBC or ITV win viewing figures race?

    THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP final was the second-most watched event of 2023 so far.Viewing figures from the match between England and Spain have revealed that 12million people watched on BBC 1.
    Alex Scott and the BBC came out on top in the viewing figuresCredit: BBC Sport
    Laura Woods and ITV were dwarfed by the BBC’s viewing figuresCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    According to the Daily Mail, Spain’s 1-0 win has only been trumped by one other event this year – the Coronation of King Charles III in May.
    Both the BBC and ITV provided coverage of the tournament, with both broadcasters airing Sunday’s final from Sydney.
    However, the BBC dwarfed ITV’s viewing figures for the match as just 2.46million average viewers saw Laura Woods host their coverage.
    Despite viewer complaints, more viewers tuned in to watch the Lionesses’ heart-breaking defeat on the BBC.
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    Across both channels, a combined 14.7million people watched the final minutes of the match as England went in search of an equaliser.
    The BBC, who’s line-up of presenters included ex-Lioness Alex Scott, also registered 25.7million stream requests across iPlayer and the BBC Sport webiste.
    Their numbers surpassed those of the Wimbledon men’s singles final earlier this summer.
    A peak audience of 11.3million viewers watched Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic back in July.
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    That was despite viewers complaining that they could hear a Spanish commentator during the BBC’s coverage of the match.
    Numerous complaints were made alleging they could be heard in the background as Robyn Cowen and ex-England star Rachel Brown-Finnis commentated on the match.
    Across the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, there were 25.7million streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
    This amounts to a 75% increase from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which had 14.7million streams. More

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    Lorraine forced to apologise for Larry the psychic parrot after Women’s World Cup blunder on live TV

    LORRAINE have apologised for Larry the psychic parrot after he “lied” about the Women’s World Cup final result.Larry had predicted the Lionesses would win the Sydney showdown with Spain.
    Larry the psychic parrot incorrectly predicted England would winCredit: ITV
    The Lionesses suffered a heartbreaking final defeat to SpainCredit: Getty
    But Sarina Wiegman’s side were beaten 1-0 after Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.
    Larry the parrot had previously predicted all other results at the tournament correctly.
    But hosts on the ITV show felt compelled to apologise after Larry built up viewers’ hopes – only to have them dashed by England’s defeat.
    Presenter Ranvir Singh opened Monday’s show by saying sorry to viewers – joking the “liar” was “on the phone to his lawyers”.
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    She said: “We do have to start today’s show with an apology, Larry, our psychic parrot, got it spectacularly wrong on Friday.
    “Larry, he predicted that England would win the World Cup final… he’s on the phone to his lawyers right now as we speak.
    “His career is over, I’m afraid, Larry, you’re a liar – that’s all we’ve got to say.”
    The Lionesses are flying home after a memorable World Cup campaign which saw them beat Nigeria, Colombia and hosts Australia in the knock-out rounds.
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    That sparked calls for there to be a public holiday to commemorate the achievement.
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    Fans are still demanding a bank holiday despite defeat in the final, though it appears the call will fall on deaf ears.
    England’s amazing run to the final saw the squad pocket a £2.4million prize money pot for the FA from Fifa.
    That £2.4m is likely to be split between the players and the FA – with the governing body historically giving 40 per cent to the squad in their previous tournaments for the men.
    Should the same percentages be used for the women this time around, the 23 heroic Lionesses would get £41,700 each with £1.44m going back into the FA. More

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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 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.
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    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.
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    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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    Laura Woods leaves fans stunned with bold outfit for ITV coverage of Women’s World Cup final as they call her ‘gorgeous’

    LAURA WOODS’ outfit for England’s World Cup final against Spain has left fans stunned with her followers on Twitter labelling her “gorgeous”.Woods has been a regular on fans’ screens throughout the tournament as ITV’s lead presenter.
    Laura Woods leads today’s coverage alongside Eni Aluko and Karen CarneyCredit: ITV
    England’s women have the chance to win their first World Cup since 1966Credit: ITV
    Woods opted for an all pink outfitCredit: Twitter @laura_woodsy
    And she made sure to mark the occasion of England’s first World Cup final since 1966 with a bold all pink outfit.
    She opted to pair a pink blouse with a matching skirt for her coverage of the game this morning.
    After posting her outfit on Twitter, fans were quick to shower the presenter with compliments.
    One fan wrote: “Was just thinking which channel to choose, not anymore.”
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    Another wrote: “Looking good Laura.”
    A third added: “Looking gorgeous Laura.”
    A fourth was optimistic ahead of the final, and wrote: “Woodsy you are going to witness a World Cup Final win that will go down in history for England what a day this is going to be.”
    England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
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    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 More