ITV has revealed its star-studded punditry squad for this summer’s World Cup, and it’s packed with familiar faces.
Three former Manchester United players will be at the heart of the coverage, with Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Juan Mata all confirmed for the tournament in North America.
They’ll be joined by Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright, along with former Tottenham and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and current US women’s team boss Emma Hayes.
The broadcaster will be based by Brooklyn Bridge in New York City throughout the competition, which kicks off on 11 June.
Eni Aluko has been dropped by ITV ahead of the World Cup
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However, the new line-up comes with some notable absences.
Eni Aluko, who featured on ITV’s coverage at the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024 and last summer’s women’s Euros in Switzerland, hasn’t made the cut.
Aluko had previously expressed frustration at being passed over for the final between England and Spain, which Wright worked on.
She had also claimed that Wright’s involvement in women’s football was limiting opportunities for female pundits.
Also missing from this year’s team are Graeme Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel De Jong, Nadia Nadim and Hal Robson-Kanu, all of whom appeared during the Qatar tournament in 2022.
Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter will front the coverage as presenters.
Sam Matterface and Jon Champion lead the commentary team, supported by Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight, while Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward provide co-commentary.
Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin will report from the ground, with Christina Unkel serving as referee analyst.
ITV will broadcast 29 group stage matches in total, sharing coverage with the BBC as usual. Both channels will screen the final.
Roy Keane and Ian Wright are popular figures on ITV
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ITVEngland fans can catch the Three Lions’ opening fixture against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June at 9pm BST, followed by their final group match against Panama on Saturday 27 June at 10pm.
Keane is clearly looking forward to heading stateside, telling ITV Sport: “I’ve got good memories of playing over there in 1994, it’ll be a fabulous place to watch the football.”
Vieira, meanwhile, has tipped his home nation to lift the trophy. “This is the team to beat, they have the pace, mobility, strong defensively, and they’re well managed by Deschamps, they’re the favourite for the World Cup,” he said.
ITV director of sport Niall Sloane is equally enthusiastic, describing it as “the biggest FIFA World Cup in history” and promising comprehensive coverage across ITV, ITVX and a dedicated World Cup 24/7 channel.