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    Why was Clive Tyldesley bumped off ITV’s prime football commentary slot?

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY, known as the voice of England football, was axed from his position as ITV’s Prime commentator last July after 22 years in the role.The 66-year-old spoke to the biggest ever British audience for a single game when the Three Lions lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in front of 24.3million viewers.
    Clive Tyldesley commentating during the Euro 2012
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    Why was Clive Tyldesley bumped from his role?
    The Radcliffe born broadcaster’s voice has provided the backdrop to many memorable Champions League nights, as well as World Cups, European Championships, England friendlies and FA Cups.
    Although ITV have stood Tyldesley down from his previous role, he will still be in the commentary box in a supporting role for Euro 2020. 
    According to the Daily Mail, Tyldesley and ITV mutually agreed more than two years ago that his role would change at some point in 2020, because the broadcaster felt that this would be the right moment for a new leading voice.
    The move away from ITV allowed Tyldesley to work for rival broadcasters throughout the 20/21 season including Amazon Prime Video.
    Sam Matterface was in-turn announced as ITV’s new principal figure in place of Tyldesley for any future England games.
    Tyldesley will be commentating for ITV at the Euro Championship
    Tyldesley claimed he considered “storming out” of his meeting with ITV bosses after he was presented with the news.
    However, after a change of heart, he realised he would still be able to cover top-tier matches and continue to fulfil his passion. 

    Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he said: “I could have stormed out, but I thought, no I quite fancy commentating on France versus Italy.
    “No more England, so it will be a slightly strange thing.
    “Once the decision has been taken you have to absorb it, realise it’s not the end of the world. It’s nice if you’re missed a little bit.”
    Tyldesley also opened up on his replacement, Matterface, insisting he holds no bad ties with his 43-year-old replacement.
    He added: “I don’t think ITV replaced me with a younger man for the sake of that, I think they replaced me with a different kind of commentator.
    “And even though I was shocked by the decision and didn’t agree with it, I can accept it, because Sam commentates in a different way.
    “But when I hear that somebody as capable as Mark Pougatch has been replaced on the BBC by somebody who has got a younger voice, but broadcasts in the same way, only not as well, I can’t fathom that out at all. More

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    BBC announce 11.6m TV viewing figures for England’s Euro 2020 opener with Croatia long with record iPlayer viewers

    ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 opening clash with Croatia set a new BBC record after its audience peaked at 11.6 million viewers.The Three Lions got off to a winning start at Wembley on Sunday with Raheem Sterling scoring the only goal of the game.
    BBC have announced 11.6m viewers tuned in to watch England beat Croatia on SundayCredit: Getty
    The match was streamed 3.9 million times on iPlayer, a new record according to the Beeb.
    An average 10.2m people tuned in to watch it live on BBC One.
    The audience peaked at 11.6m, which was a 79 per cent share of available viewers.
    England’s first group game was also streamed a further 600,000 times on BBC Sport online.
    That means around 4.5m streamed the clash on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online combined.
    That total number of viewers yesterday was still some way off the peak audience of 26.5m that watched England go out of the World Cup in 2018 on ITV.
    The overall TV match average for the semi-final defeat to Croatia was 24.3m, while ITV also said there were a record 4.3m requests to watch it online on ITV Hub.
    Yesterday’s viewing figures were also short of the 12.8million who watched the Line Of Duty finale last month – making it the most watched drama episode since records began.
    The incredible climax managed to rack in 56.2 per cent of the UK’s TV audience.
    Leicester City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in last month’s FA Cup final was watched by a peak audience of 9.1m viewers on BBC.

    BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea reached 8.7m viewers across their TV channel and its digital platforms in May.
    Sky One recently revealed this month’s Friends reunion special brought the channel its biggest audience ever of 5.3m viewers.
    Meanwhile, the last ever Game of Thrones episode back in 2019 was watched by 5.789m million, making it the Sky’s biggest series finale of any show ever. 
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

    Gareth Southgate reacts to England’s victory against Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener More

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    Why was Clive Tyldesley bumped off ITV’s prime commentary slot?

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY, known as the voice of England football, was axed from his position as ITV’s Prime commentator last July after 22 years in the role.The 66-year-old spoke to the biggest ever British audience for a single game when the Three Lions lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in front of 24.3million viewers.
    Clive Tyldesley commentating during the Euro 2012
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
    Why was Clive Tyldesley bumped from his role?
    The Radcliffe born broadcaster’s voice has provided the backdrop to many memorable Champions League nights, as well as World Cups, European Championships, England friendlies and FA Cups.
    Although ITV have stood Tyldesley down from his previous role, he will still be in the commentary box in a supporting role for Euro 2020. 
    According to the Daily Mail, Tyldesley and ITV mutually agreed more than two years ago that his role would change at some point in 2020, because the broadcaster felt that this would be the right moment for a new leading voice.
    The move away from ITV allowed Tyldesley to work for rival broadcasters throughout the 20/21 season including Amazon Prime Video.
    Sam Matterface was in-turn announced as ITV’s new principal figure in place of Tyldesley for any future England games.
    Tyldesley will be commentating for ITV at the Euro Championship
    Tyldesley claimed he considered “storming out” of his meeting with ITV bosses after he was presented with the news.
    However, after a change of heart, he realised he would still be able to cover top-tier matches and continue to fulfil his passion. 

    Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he said: “I could have stormed out, but I thought, no I quite fancy commentating on France versus Italy.
    “No more England, so it will be a slightly strange thing.
    “Once the decision has been taken you have to absorb it, realise it’s not the end of the world. It’s nice if you’re missed a little bit.”
    Tyldesley also opened up on his replacement, Matterface, insisting he holds no bad ties with his 43-year-old replacement.
    He added: “I don’t think ITV replaced me with a younger man for the sake of that, I think they replaced me with a different kind of commentator.
    “And even though I was shocked by the decision and didn’t agree with it, I can accept it, because Sam commentates in a different way.
    “But when I hear that somebody as capable as Mark Pougatch has been replaced on the BBC by somebody who has got a younger voice, but broadcasts in the same way, only not as well, I can’t fathom that out at all. More

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    Euro 2020 pundit Robert Earnshaw becomes Twitter cult hero with random tweets on robots, aliens and existence itself

    EURO 2020 pundit Robert Earnshaw is a cult hero on Twitter due to his fascinating insight into a range of topics, including aliens and the person who discovered milk.The former Wales international will join ITV as part of their Euros coverage and if he is as entertaining on TV as he is on social media then viewers are in for a treat.
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    Robert Earnshaw will be part of ITV’s team for Euro 2020
    There is zero evidence that today is Sunday.We are all kind of relying on the fact somebody has kept an accurate count since the first one ever— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) May 17, 2020

    Reckon I’ll get away with that excuse tomorrow if I don’t turn in to work Rob?— Jay Edwards (@JamesEdwardsLFC) May 17, 2020

    Several footballers have grabbed attention for their odd opinions and tweets, such as Louis Saha being grateful for the “good banter” he had with his son over dinner instead of watching TV.
    None compare to Earnshaw however, who has become the master of pondering the more obscure aspects of life, almost like a Welsh Karl Pilkington.
    Perhaps his most brilliant ‘eureka’ moment came during the first lockdown last year, when he stated: “There is zero evidence that today is Sunday. We are all kind of relying on the fact somebody has kept an accurate count since the first one ever.”
    Strange but true, Robert, strange but true.
    He is equally as eccentric in his views on Monday’s, aliens and life itself.
    And Earnshaw famously suggested that if Mark Lawrenson was a day of the week he would be Monday.
    If mark lawrenson was a day of the week he would be Monday.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) July 1, 2014

    I feel sorry for Monday,everyone seems to hate it more & more every week.Its not Mondays fault.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) November 18, 2013

    The guy who discovered milk probably did a lot of other strange things too.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) January 24, 2016

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    We cannot wait to see what fascinating comparisons he makes between the stars of Euro 2020 and whatever bizarre subject his mind comes up with.
    Perhaps Gareth Bale could be a bowl of Coco Pops – cereal, after all, is another of Earnshaw’s favoured topics.
    The former striker’s antics have grabbed attention and a significant following online.

    If in doubt,Cereal is always great anytime of the day.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) June 13, 2013

    The Second Tier podcast singled out four tweets representing some of his best work alongside a caption that read: “Gentle reminder that Rob Earnshaw is the single greatest mind to ever exist.”
    Others pointed out that lockdown was getting to Earnshaw a little last year, particularly his opinion of bats and the outbreak of Covid-19.
    Fans should be on the edge of their seats for match analysis when Earnshaw is in the studio as he is bound to provide non-stop entertainment.
    Today I beat my high score of consecutive days lived— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) February 17, 2017

    I wonder how many miles your thumb has scrolled— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) January 29, 2017

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Wales vs Switzerland FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 match More

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    Who is ITV’s Euro 2020 presenter Seema Jaswal?

    ITV’S LIVE coverage for Euro 2020 will be presented by broadcaster Seema Jaswal, who is well travelled in the field of sports presenting.The 36-year-old from Richmond hosts the shows Kick Off and Fanzone for Premier League Productions, as well as presenting Channel 4’s coverage of Motorsports.
    Jaswal also spent three years working for Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff
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    She also appears on Channel 4’s coverage of the BDO Darts and the BBC for the World Snooker Championships, but has never presented a major football tournament live.
    Speaking to ITV’s Euro 2020 Live Coverage on what she’s most looking forward to this summer, Jaswal said: “Well it will be the first time I’ll be presenting the live match coverage at a major tournament for ITV so as you can imagine I’m super excited!
    “I was part of the team in 2018 for the World Cup in Russia and I present the  Premier League’s global coverage every week but this is somethingspecial and I can’t wait!”
    Jaswal, as well as Mark Pougatch and Reshmin Chowdhury will present ITV’s coverage of the Euros
    ITV employed Jaswal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, working as a reporter and summariser.
    Jaswal also anchored FIFA’s coverage of the U-17 World Cup in 2017.

    How old is she?
    Jaswal has now been in TV and radio for over a decade after getting her break on CBBC in 2008.
    Born in 1985, she is currently 36 years old.
    Is Seema Jaswal married?
    Seema’s maiden name is Pathan but she likes to keep her private life out of the public eye.
    She is married but prefers to keep her husband out the limelight.
    How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other More

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    ITV announce blockbuster Euro 2020 team including Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness in battle with BBC

    GARY NEVILLE, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness are among the top pundits who will provide the analysis for ITV’s Euro 2020 coverage.A raft of big names have been hired by the broadcaster ahead of their two England group games.
    ITV have unveiled their punditry team for Euro 2020
    The Three Lions will have former stars Ian Wright, Ashley Cole, Eni Aluko and Andros Townsend in the studio to chew over the action, along with Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes.
    ITV are scheduled to broadcast England’s huge clash with Scotland on June 18 with Souness joined by Scott Brown and John Collins on the panel.
    Joe Ledley and Robert Earnshaw have been signed up to provide insight on Wales’ final group game versus Italy, live on the channel on June 20.
    Nigel de Jong, Patrick Vieira and Nadia Nadim are also on board with Ally McCoist, John Hartson and Lee Dixon among the co-commentators.
    Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Joe Speight, Seb Hutchinson and Tom Gayle make up the lead commentary team.
    Former Premier League referee Peter Walton, well known to viewers of BT Sport, will drop in with his officiating expertise.
    How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other

    And Mark Pougatch, Seema Jaswal, and Reshmin Chowdhury will host from the studio accompanied by reporters Gabriel Clarke, Michelle Owen and Raman Bhardwaj across the 11 host cities.
    ITV have missed out on the Euro 2020 opener between Turkey and Italy on Friday, June 11 but show their first match 24 hours later as Belgium face Russia.
    A total of 27 games will be exclusive to the channel, including England’s games against Scotland and the Czech Republic.
    ITV also has first pick of the semi-final ties plus France versus Germany and Croatia’s group closer with Scotland.
    TEN TOP EURO 2020 GROUP GAMES ON ITV
    Belgium vs Russia – June 12, 8pm
    Netherlands vs Ukraine – June 13, 8pm
    Hungary vs Portugal – June 15, 5pm
    France vs Germany – June 15, 8pm
    Italy vs Switzerland – June 16, 8pm
    England vs Scotland – June 18, 8pm
    Portugal vs Germany – June 19, 5pm
    Italy vs Wales – June 20, 5pm
    Czech Republic vs England – June 22, 8pm
    Croatia vs Scotland – June 22, 8pm

    The final will be shown live on both ITV and the BBC.
    Last week, the Beeb announced their punditry team for their share of the tournament.
    Alex Scott, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Cesc Fabregas are among the names on board alongside Gary Lineker.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    BBC release promo for Euro 2020 featuring Bale, Ronaldo and Mbappe for this summer More

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    ITV in talks to buy BT Sport in bid to make Premier League and Champions League FREE for viewers

    ITV are reportedly preparing a bid to bring top flight English football back to free-to-air TV as they contemplate buying a stake in BT Sport.It was revealed earlier this week that BT Sport was being put up for sale.
    ITV could return Premier League football to free-to-air televisionCredit: PA
    The Champions League could also find itself back on free-to-air TV in the UKCredit: Reuters
    And streaming platforms Amazon, Disney and DAZN were all touted as potential buyers for the TV network in a deal that would be worth billions.
    But according to The Telegraph, ITV have now emerged as another possible buyer.
    Both ITV and BT Sport have attempted to diversify in recent times, with ITV a partner in YouView and BT considering investing in ITV’s streaming service BritBox.
    BT Sport is believed to be worth around £2billion.
    According to insiders, ITV acquiring BT Sport would mean some Premier League and Champions League will be shown on free-to-air.
    The network has held the Champions League rights since 2015 when they paid the best part of £900m for the competition.
    Before then the rights were shared between ITV and Sky Sports.
    It is thought that while ITV lacks the financial power of other buyers, it could still be able to afford BT Sport in a post-pandemic climate.

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    Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
    This is because pay-TV has struggled since the coronavirus outbreak began.
    In addition, the competitions being on terrestrial TV will mean a larger audience and provide increased advertising sales.
    Talks are said to be underway but there is no known date when a deal could be struck.
    Kevin De Bruyne reacts after Man City beat PSG 2-1 in first leg of Champions League semi-final More

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    ITV in talks to buy BT Sport in bid to make Premier League and Champions League football FREE to watch

    ITV are preparing a bid to bring top flight English football back to free-to-air TV as they contemplate buying a stake in BT Sport, according to reports.It was revealed earlier this week that BT Sport was being put up for sale.
    ITV could return Premier League football to free-to-air televisionCredit: PA
    The Champions League could also find itself back on free-to-air TV in the UKCredit: Reuters
    And streaming platforms Amazon, Disney and DAZN were all touted as potential buyers for the TV network in a deal that would be worth billions.
    But according to The Telegraph, ITV have now emerged as another possible buyer.
    Both ITV and BT Sport have attempted to diversify in recent times, with ITV a partner in YouView and BT considering investing in ITV’s streaming service BritBox.
    BT Sport is believed to be worth around £2billion.
    According to insiders, ITV acquiring BT Sport would mean some Premier League and Champions League will be shown on free-to-air.
    The network has held the Champions League rights since 2015 when they paid the best part of £900m for the competition.
    Before then the rights were shared between ITV and Sky Sports.
    It is thought that while ITV lacks the financial power of other buyers, it could still be able to afford BT Sport in a post-pandemic climate.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR PUNCHESTOWN

    Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
    This is because pay-TV has struggled since the coronavirus outbreak began.
    In addition, the competitions being on terrestrial TV will mean a larger audience and provide increased advertising sales.
    Talks are said to be underway but there is no known date when a deal could be struck.
    Kevin De Bruyne reacts after Man City beat PSG 2-1 in first leg of Champions League semi-final More