As is tradition in the United Kingdom, both major free-to-air broadcasters will be showcasing the Euro 2024 final.
England and Spain go head-to-head in Berlin on Sunday, with the Three Lions looking to win their first major tournament since 1966.
Almost every eye in the nation is going to be on their screens this weekend, but the audience will be split between both channels.
For the Euro 2020 final three years ago, 31million people tuned in, with the BBC picking up 25m spectators compared to just 5.9m for ITV.
It was the most-watched TV event since Princess Diana’s funeral and this summer’s spectacle may eclipse it yet again.
If you are struggling to decide who you would rather side with for your broadcasting needs, we have you covered.
📰 Table Of Contents
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The big difference
One big factor that might help you decide where to put your faith for Sunday is adverts.
Naturally, the BBC will broadcast without any ads, whereas ITV will likely push plenty of mini breaks on you during their pre and post-match analysis.
But if you value insightful, detailed debate about the match and teams, a few two-minute ad breaks may be worth suffering through.
Gareth Southgate tells @danroan there’s ‘a different feel’ to Sunday’s meeting with Spain after reaching a second consecutive Euros final.#BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/L0dxOfp0U3
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 12, 2024
Pundits and host
Mark Pougatch has brought a unique spirit and hosting prestige to ITV and has done well to compete with the BBC’s legendary face in Gary Lineker.
Sitting on the analysis table for ITV has been the likes of Gary Neville, who has previously demonstrated his impressive football brain on Sky Sports.
Joining him has been Ian Wright, Roy Keane and special guests such as Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
Facing a flurry of questions from Lineker on the BBC has usually been Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards, but they have had their fair share of famous faces on board too.
Frank Lampard earned praise from Richards for his in-depth analysis, while former pros Cesc Fabregas, Ashley Williams and Joe Hart have also let loose on air.
Juan Mata is set to join the BBC studio team for the final on Sunday, while ITV will likely have a strong face or two in mind for their coverage.
Commentators
Guy Mowbray remains the BBC’s chief commentator and his emotion during the semi-final win did the rounds on social media.
He is regarded as one of the best in the business and always seems to find the right words in the moment.
Alan Shearer has been joining him for England games and has not been afraid to voice his opinions and passion for the national team in key moments.
On the ground will be Kelly Somers, providing pitchside coverage and being the eyes on the ground.
For ITV, Sam Matterface will be on the microphone in Berlin.
Ally McCoist will be joining him again, and the Scotsman recently shared a petition for Clive Tyldesley to commentate the final.
Gabriel Clarke will be the man on the ground and is not afraid to ask the hard questions if needed.
🗣️ “One of the things human beings want to avoid is public embarrassment.”
🗣️ “We weren’t free [in the group stage], we were too aware of the noise around us.”
🏴 Will England finally be let loose? #Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/NmbERDpxmn
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
Social media’s verdict
Usually, the BBC is raved about in terms of coverage of major sporting events, but something feels different this summer.
It seems the verdict on social media is that ITV have upped their game, and they may be rewarded with more viewers for the final as a result.
Their punditry team has certainly earned more plaudits compared to the BBC, who were slammed for their opinions on both Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate earlier in the tournament.
The commentary probably still falls in the BBC’s favour, so it may be a case of viewers tuning into ITV for the analysis and switching over for the game itself.
Either way, both broadcasters will be brimming with excitement at the prospect of England winning a major trophy.
