Sunday, September 8, 2024

SPORTS AGENDA: Beeb steer clear of Gareth Southgate after Gary Lineker’s podcast jibe – while US official insists the 2026 World Cup WILL be safe after Donald Trump incident

Must read

  • Lineker had been criticial of England’s performances on his podcast in Germany
  • The BBC did not log a request for Lineker to speak to Southgate before the final
  • LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Erudite and passionate, Gareth Southgate doesn’t looks like the Berlin final will be his last England game

Interesting to note that Gary Lineker did not interview England manager Gareth Southgate in the build-up to the final.

Despite his belated claim that he was referencing the Denmark game itself — not England’s performance — when he dubbed it ‘s***’ on his podcast, Agenda understands many within the Three Lions camp took a dim view of the jibe.

No request for a chat between Southgate and Lineker was logged by the Beeb. Some at the BBC are highly frustrated that Lineker’s comments — on a non-BBC channel — have made their lives difficult. 

There was no request logged for Gary Lineker (pictured) to interview Gareth Southgate before the Euro 2024 final

Lineker had been critical of England earlier on in the tournament, with some at the BBC frustrated by the comments

Lineker had been critical of England earlier on in the tournament, with some at the BBC frustrated by the comments

No concerns for World Cup safety 

Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy was speaking in Berlin hours after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Murphy was addressing New Jersey and New York’s role in the 2026 World Cup, as final host, and was asked if he could allay supporters’ safety fears.

‘First of all, God bless President Trump,’ the Democrat said. ‘For all the noise you read about New York City, it’s one of the safest places to walk around in the world. I can say with great confidence this will be an incredibly safe tournament. Period.’ 

The governor of New Jersey has said that New York is 'one of the safest places' on earth after the Donald Trump assassination attempt ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The governor of New Jersey has said that New York is ‘one of the safest places’ on earth after the Donald Trump assassination attempt ahead of the 2026 World Cup

A golfing good luck

Ian Poulter dropped in at England’s base to give a golf clinic.

The results were mixed. Keen golfer Harry Kane excelled, but it was a different story elsewhere with a host of air shots and wayward strikes.

Jude Bellingham threw himself into his swing, so much so that he knocked over a pyramid of balls set up behind him. 

Life savers

Squads at the Euros were given life-saving training at their camps. The move was part of a Uefa drive which included dedicated CPR booths in fan zones, where fans could get emergency coaching.

About 35,000 are thought to have received the training.

Meanwhile, Uefa had added 14million followers to their social media accounts and enjoyed 2.8billion video views before last night’s kick-off. 

Lacking professionalism

There have been several instances of cheerleading in press boxes from journalists who seem to forget that they are there in a professional capacity.

Indeed, UEFA are understood to have taken a dim view of one reporter who wrapped himself in a St George’s Cross flag following England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands. 

Erm, hello?

Much has been made of the increased security levels at matches, with police forces praised for their approach.

However, England fans at their quarter-final with Switzerland were left stunned when a group of West Ham supporters sitting in front of them lit a joint at half-time and brazenly puffed away without intervention from security. 

England fans against Switzerland were left puzzled when a group of West Ham fans lit a joint at half time of the game

England fans against Switzerland were left puzzled when a group of West Ham fans lit a joint at half time of the game

Welcome of the EFL

The EFL have issued a ‘request for proposal’ to those interested in making a documentary series for either the 2025-26 or 2026-27 seasons.

Insiders have disclosed that the aim is to create a show which follows the drama and jeopardy of competitions, rather than a single club like Wrexham’s Disney+ smash-hit. 

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