Featured Image Credit: BBC & ITV
Topics: Gary Lineker, England, Wales, Football World Cup
Josh Lawless
Topics: Gary Lineker, England, Wales, Football World Cup
Fans picked up on an apparent jibe towards ITV from Gary Lineker after England beat Wales 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Marcus Rashford struck twice either side of a goal from Phil Foden as England moved on from the disappointing draw with the United States and topped Group B.
The Three Lions went ahead in the 50th minute courtesy of a glorious free-kick from Rashford, with Foden immediately doubling England's lead.
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Rashford helped himself to a second that sealed the win, which sets up a round of 16 clash with Senegal, who finished second to the Netherlands in Group A.
The Wales win was shown live on BBC but Sunday's fixture at the Lusail Stadium belongs to ITV in the United Kingdom.
And BBC's main presenter Lineker, who scored 48 times in 80 games for England, couldn't resist a little dig at the rival channel.
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He said: "England finish top and will take on Senegal at 7pm on Sunday, that’s live on… ITV… oh well.”
The references to other channels don't happen all that often and it prompted plenty of reaction online.
One user wrote: "Gary Lineker mentioning ITV, the forbidden door opens once again."
Another said: "Enjoyed Gary Lineker mentioning ITV just then. Think that might be the first time I've ever heard either channel acknowledge the fact that there's another broadcaster showing the games they don't have."
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A third commented: "I know it was a mistake, but good on @GaryLineker for mentioning ITV as broadcaster of the next England world cup match. More of that please - public service means keeping the fans informed."
A fourth added: "Well done @GaryLineker for actually saying that a World Cup match is on @officalITV @ITVSport why each channel can’t say ITV or BBC when it’s clear that a match is going to be on the other side. They do it in America. Time for @BBCSport @BBCOne and ITV to be real."
Worryingly, England's record on ITV is extremely poor. Since the 1998 World Cup, England have won just two games from 15 shown live on ITV.
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It's a win percentage of just 13 per cent, compared to 76 per cent for the BBC, who have screened 13 wins from 17 games - the latest being the trouncing of Wales.
ITV broadcasted the draw with the US, though it should be noted that England's memorable penalty round of 16 shoot-out win over Colombia in 2018 was on the channel.