BBC in major broadcast change for Euro 2024 final to rival ITV’s coverage
BBC have made a last-minute change to their coverage of the Euro 2024 final.
England take on Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin as they bid to end 58 years of hurt.
The match will be free to air and will be shown on both ITV and BBC.
The BBC have now made a late change to their coverage’s start time.
The programming was expected to start at 7pm but will now begin at 6.30pm.
This brings it in line with the ITV start time, one and a half hours before the match kicks off at 8pm.
This will remove ITV‘s advantage to gain early viewers over the broadcaster.
During the semi-final win over Holland, it is estimated that there was a peak of 21.6million people watching on ITV.
This has given fans a bigger decision to make about which broadcaster to tune into.
The BBC will have regular faces presenting the show, such as Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.
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Commentator Guy Mowbray has revealed that Alan Shearer always reminds him to bring a portable printer to the commentary box.
While ITV will feature the likes of Laura Woods, Gary Neville and Roy Keane.
BBC vs ITV
ALL EYES will be on Sunday’s Euro 2024 final when England take on Spain – but on which channel will you watch?
BBC and ITV have shared the rights throughout the tournament in Germany as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions made it to successive Euros finals.
But for the first time this summer, the broadcasters will go head-to-head, with viewers having the choice of which channel they tune into for the final.
So here, SunSport helps fans decide ahead of the big game…
Hosts
Gary Lineker has long been the face of BBC’s football coverage, having hosted the iconic Match of the Day since 1999, making him a sage pair of hands.
Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Mark Chapman have shared the hotseat in the absence of Lineker.
Former England striker Lineker has had an eventful Euros, notably being censored by the BBC for dropping an F-bomb while celebrating England’s win over Switzerland.
He was also accused of breaking rules when he wore his own Next clothing range on air – as BBC ban talent from wearing attire they’re either promoting or being paid to wear.
Lineker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer were also caught in a spiky back and forth with England captain Harry Kane after criticism of England’s early performances.
Those tuning into ITV have been guided through proceedings by fans’ favourite Laura Woods and veteran broadcaster Mark Pougatch.
Woods has stunned in a variety of bold outfits throughput the tournament and even brought along boyfriend Adam Collard to Berlin.
Pundits
The BBC have had Micah Richards, Shearer, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Jenas, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Ellen White, Ashley Williams, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie, Thomas Frank and Cesc Fabregas in the studio in Germany.
Fabregas in particular received praise for his expert analysis and the Spaniard would be the perfect pundit for the final.
He won the Euros in 2008 and 2012 while spending 13 years playing in England at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ferdinand meanwhile was on the end of some funny stick from Jenas after making it known he spoke with former team-mate Critstiano Ronaldo in private.
ITV have had Ian Wright, Karen Carney, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Eni Aluko, Graeme Souness, Ange Postecoglou and Danny Rohl in their studio.
Behind-the-scenes footage has shown Irishman Keane’s hilarious reaction to England’s goals – and his brutal take on the action will be a draw for many fans.
In contrast, Wright and Neville haven’t disguised their jubilation at England’s progress, with the pair’s celebrations at Ollie Watkins’ late winner against Switzerland going viral.
Former referee Christina Unkel was been a very welcome addition to ITV’s coverage – and definitely an upgrade on Peter Walton – as she analyses the on-pitch decisions.
Unkel claimed England should NOT have been awarded a penalty against the Dutch before ITV later had to censor manager Ronald Koeman’s furious post-match interview.
Commentators
Guy Mowbray is BBC’s lead commentator and he could be partnered with Jenas, Shearer, Danny Murphy or Martin Keown.
Shearer brilliantly came up with the “pressure is for tyres” line as England went 5/5 in their quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland.
Fans will likely be hoping the Newcastle pundit is back on co-comms for the final.
Sam Matterface is ITV’s head commentator and will likely be partnered with Lee Dixon or Ally McCoist.
But fans are pushing for former England international Andros Townsend to pair with McCoist in a dream co-commentary duo.
The Euros also brought an end to Clive Tyldesley’s near-three decades with ITV.
Team news has already started to emerge from the England camp ahead of the final.
Luke Shaw is set to start for the Three Lions in place of Kieran Trippier.
England reached the final by beating Holland in the semi-finals 2-1, with Ollie Watkins scoring a 90th-minute winner.
Spain, however, sealed their spot by overcoming France by the same scoreline in the first semi-final.
England stars could be set for a major money boost should they win the final from increased wages and endorsement deals.
THE TIME IS NOW
ENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT - hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.
We will have all the build-up, team news and action as it happens. Follow the drama as it unfolds with our brilliant LIVE BLOG.