BBC vs ITV at Euro 2024: battle of broadcasters – our verdict

Photo: Telegraph Sport

You may have England v Serbia marked on your wall chart as the most exciting match of the Euro 2024 group stage . . A case could be made for Scotland returning to the opener against the hosts, the faded history of heavyweights Spain and Italy, or Belgium's almost identical derby against Romania.

And yet there is one long-standing rivalry. which dwarfs anything pulled from felt bags in Hamburg last December by the eternal conflict between the BBC and ITV. Like any tournament, Euro 2024 is a battle of broadcasters. Which of the six key categories has the upper hand?

Presenters

No one has done more to test the limits of the BBC's supposed neutrality than its chief football presenter. You may not agree politically with Gary Lineker, but he knows what he's doing as a sports presenter. He will also be 67 years old by the time of the next Euros, so if he's not your cup of tea, you might not have to wait long for a new face. Mark Chapman has had a long and successful apprenticeship, although Alex Scott is the heir presumptive. Gabby Logan is a talented and close-knit team.

ITV currently only has two specialist presenters in its plans, but you won't find anyone better than Mark Pugach strong> and Laura Woods, both capable of stepping back into the background and pushing for more. from their experts, as the situation requires.

• BBC: 8/10
• ITV: 9/10 < /li>

Commentators

You thought Lineker was divisive, but here viewers are really getting annoyed. Sam Matterface – the main man at ITV. He has yet to win the hearts and minds of the nation, but he has certainly improved. Support from Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight, as well as Clive Tyldesley, who are back in the ranks and were once the first. choice. John Champion is absent, concentrating on his Olympics performance for NBC.

There have been few complaints about Guy Mowbray since taking over as BBC leader . withRobibn Cowan, Steve Wilson, Steve Bauer and Vicki Sparks are equally smart operators. Jonathan Pierce is a wildcard but is rarely used.

• ITV: 7/10
• BBC: 8/10

Commentators

The knowledge and experience of modern football by three of the BBC's best players, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenasand Danny Murphy cannot be doubted. However, it's hard to remember any of them saying anything as startling as the more energetic modern Premier League cohort that Sky and TNT seem to rule most weekends.

People's the champion will beEllie McCoist. on ITV, althoughLee Dixonusually paired with Matterface in the biggest games. Andros Townsend, taking promising first steps into portal gaming, has lowered the average age slightly.

• BBC: 6/10

< li>ITV: 7/10

Studio experts

Big strikers from ITV's Stick To Football studio: Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright Expect less fire and brimstone from Keane and Neville, with no underperforming Manchester United fuming that they could use more of their podcast-honed hilarity. Graham Sounessdoesn't do that sort of thing, Karen Carney and Eni Aluko make up a stellar cast.

Roy Keane and Ian Wright are part of ITV's star-studded line-up of experts. Photo: Nick Potts/PA

Alan Shearer often impresses at the BBC. at the end of the seasonMicah RichardsHe seems to have realized that his gimmick is a little worn out and is now acting more sensibly if the same could be said of Ballon d'Or winnerRio Ferdinand strong>. Cesc Fabregas brings a touch of class, while Frank Lampard and Ashley Williamsrarely insulted. Scotland women's captain Rachel Corsi and James McFadden come in as specialists for Clarke's team, while Ellen White rounds out the BBC team.

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An Unexpected Witness

Wayne Rooney, the football pundit's answer to Orson Welles, played for Sky in his early days, but can he roll with the punches now that he's there? back in control? I can't afford to upset many of Plymouth Argyle's international players. The absence of similar concerns about the now unemployed David Moyes and Thomas Frank always gives Brentford a good press conference. Joe Hart could have a bright future, and a specialist goalkeeper is a welcome change.

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How to watch Euro 2024: TV channel and broadcast schedule for each match More details

The biggest splash of the expert summer was the signing of a contract with ITV Ange Postecoglouwho you feel will be fun. Christina Unkelimpressed as a referee analyst at CBS, manager of Sheffield Wednesday and noted Germany's Danny Rohlis less tested.

• < strong>BBC: 8/10
• ITV 7/10

Matches

ITV Premiere: Germany vs Scotland and also the sexiest game of the round in Spain against Italy. Their England caps are a potential dead rubber in the England v Slovenia match, but who wouldn't love a look at the second right-back?

The BBC has England's first two group games (good!) and the second two of Scotland (good too, as they will likely count more in the last game than in the first). The Group B showdown (Albania v Spain, Croatia v Italy) on Monday 24th could also make for an enjoyable evening of dual-screen viewing.

• ITV: 7/10
  • ITV: 7/10
    • ITV: 7/10
      • ITV: 7/10
      • BBC: 9/10

      Total

      Incredible. Nothing separates the two giants of terrestrial sports broadcasting. But ITV covered it up in the penalties, with Aluko scoring the decisive spot-kick past Moyes.

      • BBC: 46/60
      • ITV: 46 /60