Gary Lineker has headed the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024 alongside Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards, and Cesc Fabregas (Image: BBC Sport)
A World Cup and European Championship winner will be added to the BBC’s all-star pundit cast for England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain
The BBC’s coverage of England vs. Spain in the Euro 2024 final will feature expert Spanish analysis from former Manchester United star Juan Mata.
The former Spain international has more experience than most with the European Championships, having scored in the 2012 final as the Spanish team defeated Italy 4-0 to claim back-to-back titles.
Although Mata was added at the last minute to the BBC’s panel of pundits, it was a great move for the network, which along with ITV will be showing the game live on Sunday at 8 p.m.
Mata was particularly brought in at the last minute to give his country’s opponent, the Three Lions, some balance and a deeper analysis of Luis de la Fuente’s tactics and the Spain team.
The finale is expected to be the most-watched event of the year on British television with more than 20 million people tuning in to see England clinch a thrilling 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands on ITV on Wednesday. The Spaniard will be alongside fellow Manchester United alumni Rio Ferdinand and former Man City star Micah Richards, who’ll focus on England, with the coverage once again being led by Gary Lineker on BBC One and iPlayer from the Olympiastadion. Mata is also scheduled to feature on BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage. Ex-England captain Alan Shearer will take his place on co-commentary duty with Guy Mowbray anchoring that side of the coverage in his 20th year working for the BBC, while pitchside coverage will be led by Kelly Somers and Lioness legend Alex Scott.
Mata, 36, played for Manchester United and Chelsea for 11 years of his career. In his six years with the national squad, he also scored ten goals and gained 41 caps for Spain. Before leaving the J1 League team in January of this year, he only appeared in one game for Vissel Kobe, as he is still a free agent.
