June 25th 2024.
When it comes to Euro 2024, all eyes are on ITV's main presenter, Laura Woods. However, England's dedicated fans are hoping that she stays away from their fixtures. The Three Lions' campaign in the tournament has not been going according to plan so far, and history suggests that it could get even worse when they face off against Slovenia tonight. As always, both BBC and ITV are airing every game from the tournament live. BBC has already broadcasted England's first two games against Serbia and Denmark. However, the crucial match against Slovenia in Cologne will be aired on ITV, which has caused some concern among fans. Over the years, it has been noted that the national team tends to perform better when their games are broadcasted on the BBC, rather than their commercial-heavy rivals.
But is there really a curse surrounding ITV's coverage? According to some number crunching done by Metro, it seems that Gareth Southgate's side should definitely avoid Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch at all costs. Ever since the 1998 World Cup, there have been 30 live broadcasts of England matches in major tournaments on ITV. Shockingly, only eight of those have ended in victory for the Three Lions. This gives the broadcaster a win percentage of just 26.6%, with 10 draws and 12 losses making up the rest of the results. Some of England's lowest points on the international stage have been broadcasted on ITV, including their heartbreaking defeats to France and Croatia in the last two World Cups, as well as their humiliating exit to Iceland in Euro 2016. Looking even further back, ITV has also aired England's losses in the World Cup penalty shootouts against Portugal and Argentina, both of which occurred after the team's star player was sent off - Wayne Rooney in 2006 and David Beckham in 1998.
On the other hand, the BBC's record when it comes to England games during the same time period is far better. They have aired 29 games, out of which England has won 20. This includes their two games at Euro 2024. This gives the BBC a win percentage of 68.9%, with only two draws and seven losses. However, there have also been some terrible results shown on the BBC over the years, such as the embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup 2010. Both broadcasters also aired England's heartbreaking loss on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
Moving on to which games the BBC and ITV will be airing at Euro 2024. As mentioned, the BBC has already aired England's first two games against Serbia and Denmark, and despite the not-so-great performances, they managed to secure positive results. Now, the final group game against Slovenia will be aired on ITV, on Tuesday, 25 June at 8pm. In the knockout stages, ITV has the first pick for the round of 16 and semi-finals, so history suggests that one of those games will likely bring an end to England's journey in the tournament, while the BBC will have priority for the quarter-finals. Both broadcasters will then air the final in Berlin on Sunday, 14 July.
But what do England need to do in order to qualify for the round of 16 at Euro 2024? Despite the disappointment over performances, the Three Lions' fate is still in their own hands. They are currently at the top of Group C with four points, followed by Denmark and Slovenia with two points each, and Serbia with one point. A victory over Slovenia will guarantee them a spot in the round of 16 as group winners. However, even a draw will be enough if Denmark fails to beat Serbia. It is crucial for England to break the ITV curse and secure the top spot in their group, as it would mean facing a third-placed team from one of Groups D, E, or F in the round of 16. But if they finish second in the group, they will have to face the hosts and rivals, Germany, who have been performing exceptionally well in the tournament.
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