ITV Show Zero Confidence In England’s Chances At Euro 2012
WATCHING England has always been problematic since 1966. Basically, Hurst, Charlton, Moore & Co went and got everyone’s hopes up for no good reason. England fans have seen themselves as perennial underachievers, when really, the sad truth is that England just aren’t very good.
Best league in the world? Aye, imports from elsewhere saw to that, not to mention the plethora of excellent non-English managers. Essentially, we’re good at business, administration and hype – not playing football.
And backing up this notion is, remarkably, ITV, who are showing no confidence at all in England’s hopes to even progress out of their group in the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
They’ve refused to stump up the cash needed to land the England’s potential Quarter-final and Semi-final, leaving BBC with exclusive rights to England’s games on the off-chance they make it the knock-out phase.
ITV will be showing England’s first match against France and the final group game against Ukraine. The second match against Sweden will, of course, be shown on BBC with both broadcasters having equal rights to the final on 1st July.
Philip Bernie, BBC head of TV sport, said:
“We are very happy with the live matches on BBC1, as they give us a strong climax to the event, with both semi-finals, as well as England’s quarter-final if they progress.”
Niall Sloane, ITV controller of sport, said:
“I’m delighted that ITV has secured an outstanding selection of games through the tournament, which includes England’s opening game against France as well as a potential peak time group decider against hosts Ukraine. Major events such as the Euro 2012 Championships have huge significance for our viewers and attract some of the biggest audiences on television.”
ITV may look like they’re gambling with this one, but think about it – England are generally hapless. They may just have made a very wise decision.
Posted: 13th, December 2011 | In: Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
