There have been some last minute changes to the BBC’s punditry team (Image: BBC Sport)
The BBC has made a last-minute change to its punditry team for its coverage of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain. Former Chelsea and Manchester United star and Spanish Euro 2012 winner Juan Mata has been drafted in to appear on the sofa with Gary Lineker and the regular faces.
Mata scored in Spain’s resounding 4-0 victory over Italy in the 2012 final, which secured back-to-back European Championship triumphs for Vincente Del Bosque’s side. His appearance is a huge coup for the broadcaster, who will be competing for viewers with ITV on the day of the final, which kicks off at 8pm on Sunday.
The 36-year-old, who is currently without a club after departing Japanese side Vissel Jobe after only one match at the start of February, has been brought in specifically as a balanced voice, who can offer viewpoints on Spanish football fairly.
Joining Mata in the studio will be his former United colleague Rio Ferdinand and ex-Manchester City captain Micah Richards, while Lineker will lead the coverage as host for the coverage on BBC One and iPlayer.
It’s also understood that Mata will appear on BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage. From a commentary point of view, ex-England captain Alan Shearer will join Guy Mowbray in the commentary box. At pitchside level, Kelly Somers and Lionesses legend Alex Scott will lead the coverage on the ground.
The final is predicted to be the most-watched event of the year on British television, with over 20 million viewers expected to tune in following England’s thrilling 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands on ITV on Wednesday.
Mata, aged 36, boasts an impressive career spanning 11 years with Valencia, Chelsea, Man United, Galatasaray and most recently, Kobe. He also boasts 41 international caps for Spain, where he contributed ten goals over six years with La Roja.
Mata scored the fourth goal in Spain’s resounding 4-0 victory over Italy in the Euro 2012 final (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Mata was also in the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup, where he made one appearance off the bench in a 2-0 group-stage victory over Honduras. Mata’s international record is impressive considering he was competing for a place with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, David Silva and many more.
At club level, Mata also enjoyed substantial European success. He provided the vital assist for Didier Drogba when Chelsea overcame Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final and then won the Europa League the following season. Mata also went on to be a key player for Jose Mourinho at United in the campaign where they won the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1922771/bbc-england-spain-euro-2024-final-pundits