Monday, November 25, 2024

ITV ignore BBC approach as Euros punditry line-up confirmed for England vs Spain

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ITV and the BBC will both broadcast the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, but the broadcasters have taken different approaches



Euro 2024: Sweet Caroline is played on the piano ahead of final

ITV have decided not to follow the BBC‘s lead when it comes to having a Spanish presence in the studio for the Euro 2024 final.

Both broadcasters have shared coverage of the tournament so far, with the BBC showing England’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland and ITV earning the rights to the semi-final comeback win against the Netherlands. Both get the chance to show the final, though, with carefully chosen teams for the big game.




The Beeb have made a late change to their team, adding Euro 2012 winner Juan Mata to their ranks. For ITV, though, the only Spaniard involved will be pitchside analyst Gaizka Mendieta.

“Mark Pougatch is joined in the Olympic Stadium by Roy Keane and former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright as England take on Spain in the final of UEFA Euro 2024 with Gareth Southgate’s side looking to make history and win a first-ever European Championship in Berlin,” an ITV statement reads.

“Pitchside insight comes from Laura Woods, Karen Carney and Gaizka Mendieta, commentary from Sam Matterface, Lee Dixon and Ally McCoist, and interviews from reporter Gabriel Clarke.”

The BBC, meanwhile, will welcome Mata into the studio along with regulars Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand, plus regular host Gary Lineker. Their own pitchside coverage will be provided by Alex Scott and Kelly Somers, with Alan Shearer joining Guy Mowbray in the commentary booth.


ITV recruit Mendieta has eight goals in 40 caps for Spain. Two of those came at the European Championships back in 2000 – one in a dramatic comeback win against Yugoslavia in the final group game and one in a quarter-final defeat to France.

Mendieta was also a team-mate with England boss Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough, getting on well with his colleague on the pitch. However, the pair had tougher times when Southgate took over in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium.

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