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    Heartbroken ITV World Cup pundit says she’s ‘lost most important person’ after death of her mum forces her off air

    HEARTBROKEN ITV World Cup pundit Nadia Nadim has paid tribute to her late mother after she was tragically knocked down and killed by a digger.The Afghan-born Danish international, 34, who is working as a pundit for ITV in Qatar, was forced to leave the studio suddenly during Wednesday’s World Cup clash between Denmark and Tunisia.
    Nadia Nadim was forced to leave the ITV studio during a gameCredit: Instagram
    She paid tribute to her mum, Hamida, right, who was killed after a digger drove into herCredit: Instagram
    Her mum was walking home when she was struck from behindCredit: Instagram
    Nadia, a former refugee, was part of the broadcaster’s coverage during the goalless draw but was no longer in the studio after the match.
    ITV confirmed she had left the studio early but didn’t give an explanation as to why she had been rushed away.
    She later revealed the reason for her absence on her Instagram, as she paid tribute to her mother Hamida Nadim, 57, describing her as “the most important person” in her life.
    Nadia and her mother were forced to flee Afghanistan when she was just 11 following three years in hiding after her Army general father was murdered by the Taliban.
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    Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain forward wrote: “Tuesday morning my Mother was killed by a truck. She was on her way back from the gym.
    “Words can not describe what I’m feeling. I have lost the most important person in my life and it happened so sudden and unexpected.”
    She went on: “She was only 57. She was a warrior who had fought for every inch of her life. She didn’t give me life once but twice, and everything I/ we are is because of her.
    “I have lost my home and I know nothing’s gonna ever feel the same. Life is unfair and I don’t understand why her and why this way. I love you and I will see you again.”
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    She added: “Her funeral is gonna be soon, (more information to follow). Please come and show her the love, respect and prayers she deserves.”
    Southeast Jutland Police said that the 57-year-old was hit by a so-called wheel-digger from behind near her home in the town of Uldum, around 120 miles west of the Danish capital Copenhagen.
    The driver of the digger failed to see Hamida as she was walking alongside the road back home from the gym.
    Police report that the driver swerved to avoid an oncoming lorry on the narrow country lane, and crashed into the mum-of-five.
    “A driver had overlooked the woman, who was walking out on the side of the road,” duty manager Torben Wind told Danish publication Horsens Folkeblad.
    “An oncoming lorry came towards the driver, and it was a bit narrow, which is why the driver ended up driving into the woman.”
    Hamida had moved to the small village of Uldum in 2018 after Nadia and her sister Giti helped buy her a house as a thank-you for her support for their family.
    Tributes poured in for Hamida under Nadia’s Instagram post.
    Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the former prime minister of Denmark, wrote: “Oh Nadia. Words cannot describe how tragic this is. Thoughts for you guys. Still remember when I met your strong wonderful mum.”
    England and Manchester United player Ella Toone wrote: “Thinking of you.”
    And Netherlands and Lyon player Danielle van de Donk commented: “Sending all my love and strength.”
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    Nadia, who is among Denmark’s greatest-ever female footballers, was previously named Dane of the Year.
    Hamida leaves behind four daughters as well as Nadia: Giti, Diana, Muskan, and Mujda. More

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    Wales clash with USA beats England’s thumping win over Iran in World Cup TV viewers war between BBC and ITV

    ENGLAND and Wales will be duking it out during the final game in the World Cup group stage next week. But another intense match over viewing figures is going on in the background between ITV and BBC.
    BBC’s World Cup coverage includes pundits such as Alex ScottCredit: Reuters
    ITV’s coverage features the likes of Roy Keane and Graeme SounessCredit: Getty
    The two TV channels are sharing the World Cup coverage rights with both hoping to eclipse the other in terms of ratings.
    And following the home nations opening matches ITV have taken first blood in this contest.
    As revealed by Lizo Mzimba, BBC viewing figures for England’s 6-2 thriller against Iran saw 7.38 million people tune in according to BARB overnight figures.
    This does not include viewing figures from other platforms.
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    However, Wales’ clash against the USA on ITV1 scored even higher viewing figures.
    Mzimba said: “An average audience of 9.39m TV viewers watched yesterday’s World Cup 1 -1 draw between Wales and USA on ITV (and ITV+1) between 1900 and 2100, according to BARB overnight figures.

    “This doesn’t include viewers watching on S4C or on other platforms.”
    A late Gareth Bale penalty saw Wales salvage a point in their first World Cup game for 64 years after Timothy Weah opened the goalscoring for the US in the first half.

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    ITV will be covering the next England game when they take on the USA on Friday.
    Meanwhile, BBC will be taking the coverage of Wales vs Iran before they take on both of the final games from Group B.
    Both channels have already had some major talking points during their coverage.
    BBC’s coverage of the World Cup’s opening game was criticised after they elected to not show the opening ceremony on BBC One.
    Meanwhile, on ITV Roy Keane and Graeme Souness were involved in a heated bust-up at half-time of Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina. More

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    Who is ITV World Cup 2022 pundit Hal Robson-Kanu?

    FORMER Welsh international footballer Hal Robson-Kanu is going to be part of ITV’s upcoming coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The 33-year-old stopped playing in 2021, but was capped 46 times over almost an 11 year period for Wales.
    Hal Robson-Kanu scored Wales’ most famous ever goal when he Cruyff turned the entire Belgium defence to slot homeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Hal Robson-Kanu played for West Brom for five yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
    Robson-Kanu has experience at the top level with 94 Premier League appearances whilst also representing his country at a European Championship.
    The former West Brom man will join the likes of Ian Wright, Eni Aluko, Gary Neville and Roy Keane in Qatar as the star-studded line-up provide ITV’s coverage of the tournament.
    The goal-scoring forward was part of the famous Wales side that managed to progress to the semi-final of Euro 2016.
    Who has Hal Robson-Kanu played for?

    2007 – 2016 – Reading
    2008 – Southend United (loan)
    2009 – Swindon Town (loan)
    2016 – 2021 – West Brom
    2010 – 2021 – Wales

    Across his club career Robson-Kanu scored 66 goals and racked up 29 assists.

    Has Hal Robson-Kanu ever been a pundit before?
    He has a wealth of experience as a pundit including appearances on Match of the Day and Football Focus.
    The Welshman was part of the BBC’s team for Euro 2020 and is often called upon for his expertise drawing on his experience with The Dragons.
    Robson-Kanu has played alongside multiple members of the current Welsh squad heading to the World Cup including Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies.
    What was Robson-Kanu’s iconic moment at Euro 2016?
    During the 2016 European Championship Robson-Kanu scored one of Wales most famous goals in recent history.
    The striker, who was a free agent at the time, scored the second goal to give Wales the lead against Belgium in the quarter-final of the competition.
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    The Welsh advanced to the semi-finals after a 3-1 victory in that game with many putting it down to Robson-Kanu’s heroics.
    The current Dragons team will be hoping for a similar run of results at the upcoming World Cup.
    Wales’ first game is against USA on November 21 in group B of the tournament.

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    ITV pundits pick their World Cup 2022 winners with Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Lee Dixon all in disagreement

    ITV PUNDITS have predicted their winners for the World Cup – but the experts are deeply divided on who will lift the trophy. The tournament in Qatar is a little over a week from kicking-off and anticipation is high for the unique mid-season World Cup.
    Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate’s men could pull off a World Cup to rememberCredit: ITV
    Ian Wright was alone among ITV pundits in his pick for who the World Cup winners could beCredit: PA
    Predictions vary among fans on will make it to the end, suggesting viewers could be in for an exciting and unpredictable month of football.
    And even pundits can’t agree on which nation will be claiming the Jules Rimet trophy.
    Seven ITV pundits put forward their guess on the eventual winners – and only one went for England.
    Neville – who will also be doing analyst work for BEIN Sports – believes Gareth Southgate’s side can go one better than their Euros 2020 campaign.
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    The Three Lions lost on penalties to Italy in the final last year but Neville thinks they can go one step further and replicate the infamous 1966 team.
    But Wright has opted for an Argentinian win in what will be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup.
    Argentina have previously won the tournament twice in 1978 and 1986 but have since lost in two finals in 1990 and 2014.
    Popular pundit Ally McCoist was one of three ITV pundits to go for a Brazil win – alongside Lee Dixon and John Hartson.
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    Brazil’s squad is so packed full of talent that Liverpool’s in-form Roberto Firmino could not even find his way into it.
    Meanwhile like Neville, Nigel de Jong has opted for his own country to win it and believes the Netherlands can end their World Cup hoodoo.
    The Dutch hold the record for most World Cup finals without winning it, having made their way to the grand finale in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
    And finally Andros Townsend believes France will retain their trophy after their 2018 World Cup win.
    As is tradition, BBC and ITV will share the matches with ITV set to air their first match on Monday November 21 with Senegal v the Netherlands.
    Kylian Mbappe will be looking to add another World Cup to his collection after he scored against Croatia in the 2018 finalCredit: AFP More

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    Who are the ITV pundits for the World Cup 2022?

    THE pundits have been announced for ITV’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The tournament, which takes place in Qatar, will see some of the best players in world football compete against each other for glory.
    Qatar will host the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
    Gareth Southgate’s England side will have to get past the likes of France, Brazil, Spain and Germany in their bid to go one step further than last year’s Euro’s.
    And ITV have confirmed a stellar line-up which includes some big names.
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    Who are the ITV pundits?
    Mark Pougatch will be the lead anchor for ITV’s coverage.
    He will be joined by former Arsenal striker and Match of the Day pundit, Ian Wright.
    Ian Wright will be a part of ITV’s 2022 World Cup coverageCredit: Alamy
    Ex-Manchester United player Roy Keane will also be involved. The Irishman famously left his country’s side ahead of the 2002 World Cup following a disagreement with manager Mick McCarthy.
    He will be alongside Gary Neville who should provide some entertainment following a number of amusing moments as a pundit on Sky Sports.
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    Graeme Souness is also part of the team. The former Liverpool midfielder’s honest analysis of players such as Paul Pogba has made him a regular face on TV.
    Ex-Premier League forward Hal Robson-Kanu should provide some interesting insight. The Welshman scored an iconic goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter final, taking Wales to the semi-final of the tournament.
    Laura Woods, Seema Jaswal, Joe Cole, Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Nigel de Jong and Nadia Nadim will all also feature as part of ITV’s coverage. More

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    ITV announce World Cup pundits as Gary Neville, Graeme Souness and Roy Keane join Wales cult hero and Eni Aluko

    GARY NEVILLE, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness are among the mega names confirmed as ITV pundits for next month’s World Cup in Qatar.The iconic trio have been delighted footy fans with their hot takes for years.
    Gary Neville and Roy Keane are among the ITV pundits confirmed for next month’s World CupCredit: Alamy
    Graeme Souness will also be providing footy fans with hot takesCredit: Getty
    And they are sure to provide more entertainment this winter as England look for a first World Cup win since 1966.
    At the weekend, Man Utd legends Neville and Keane had a huge bust-up over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
    Liverpool icon Souness is no stranger to heated debates either.
    And it will be a lively occasion as the globe’s top teams compete for football’s greatest prize.
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    Joining the trio are former Arsenal striker Ian Wright and ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.
    Wales hero Hal-Robson Kanu and Man City favourite Nigel de Jong will also be taking to the studio.
    And three icons of the women’s game will be present too, with Eni Aluko and Karen Carney joined by Nadia Nadim.
    Meanwhile, there are three main presenters in Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal.
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    The commentary team consists of Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight.
    And co-commentary will come from Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, John Hartson and Andros Townsend.
    ITV will broadcast a total of 32 matches from Qatar, with the first being Senegal vs Holland on Monday November 21.
    ITV is also showing England’s second group game against the USA on Friday November 25. More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane slammed for ‘hammering everything’ in Sky Sports punditry by Richard Keys and Andy Gray

    ROY KEANE has been slammed by Richard Keys and Andy Gray for “hammering everything” in his punditry. The Manchester United legend has built a reputation for his no-nonsense analysis on Sky Sports and ITV.
    Roy Keane’s punditry was criticised by Richard Keys and Andy GrayCredit: Getty
    But in a joint interview with the Telegraph, Keys and Gray – who were sacked by Sky in 2011 – criticised pundits for being too harsh.
    Keys said: “Not everything in football is s***. But it is if you watch British television.
    “I’ve had this conversation with (Arsene) Wenger. He said to me, ‘Why do Sky spend £1.1billion on a three-year cycle of broadcast rights and then spend that period destroying it?’
    “He’s right. I don’t understand it either. If Andy or I had offered a scintilla of the same criticism to the modern player, we would have been out on our ear.”
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    Keys remembers Keane hitting out at him after the presenter criticised the Irishman’s reign as Ipswich manager in 2008.
    He said: “The guys who are criticising were probably the most sensitive of their time.
    “When he was manager at Ipswich, Roy hammered me. Now here he is on everybody’s wishlist, because he comes along and hammers everything else.”
    Keys and Gray were sacked by Sky for making derogatory and sexist comments about female assistant referee Sian Massey in a leaked tape.
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    They now work for Qatar-owned beIN Sports, and Gray claimed he takes a more gentle approach to punditry.
    He said: “We’re too quick to condemn. Rather than battering players, I try to look for reasons why they might be struggling. 
    “Luckily, I had a boss at Sky, Andy Melvin, who taught me: ‘Don’t just criticise, tell me why it’s bad and why it might get better.’
    “Look at how Harry Maguire is being beaten up. And yet Manchester United paid £80million for him. So, he can’t be hopeless. 
    “If I had a bad day on the pitch, I would look at the Sunday papers, see a rating of three out of 10, and that would be it.
    “Now there’ll be memes about you, worldwide.”
    Andy Gray pictured with TV co-host Richard KeysCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    I’m A Celebrity signs England football star for this year’s show

    Lioness Jill Scott has signed up for the new series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!The midfielder, 35, retired after playing in the game that beat Germany 2-1 in the Uefa Women’s final in July.
    Lioness Jill Scott, 35, has signed up for the new series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!Credit: AP
    It has long been rumoured that ITV wanted a Lioness to enter the jungleCredit: Rex
    But her expletives gained almost as much attention as her ball skills when a clip of her swearing at Germany’s Sydney Lohmann went viral.
    A TV insider said: “Jill became an instant star following that memorable moment, with most Brits forgiving the minor outburst.”
    “It was always rumoured that ITV wanted one of the team in the jungle and Jill is a natural choice.”
    Jill presented an award at the NTAs this week and joked that she was skint and had been forced to sell her winner’s medal.
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    I’m a Celeb returns to the Australian Jungle next month.
    Other stars include former rugby player Mike Tindall, DJ Chris Moyles and comic Seann Walsh.
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