Gary Lineker gatecrashed BBC Sport’s reaction to England’s 2-1 win over Norway in an awkward cameo. The former Three Lions captain jumped in and invaded Micah Richards’ airtime in the wake of Jude Bellingham’s match-winning double.
BBC Sport live-streamed their reaction to Thomas Tuchel’s side booking their spot in the World Cup semi-final after ITV held the broadcasting rights for the quarter-final. Wayne Rooney was joined by Ellen White to offer analysis to the extra-time victory with Richards tuning in from New York but it was midway through the show when Lineker stormed in and interrupted coverage.
The panel were discussing England’s penalty after it was overturned by Clement Turpin as it was adjudged that Djed Spence initiated the contact from Oscar Bobb before going to ground. Richards was offering his reaction to the decision from the French official to go back on his on-field decision when an England-clad Lineker jumped into shot.
“Definitely a penalty,” Lineker said with the former Manchester City defender looking stunned to see his piece hijacked. “Come on England. Nice to see you all there.”
The 65-year-old made a quick exit while Rooney made a parting shot, he quipped: “Kit looks a bit snug there, Gaz.” The conversation quickly returned to analysing England’s encounter as the joking nature of the broadcast turned serious once more.
Lineker left the broadcaster at the end of the 2024-25 Premier League season where he stepped back from his position as Match of the Day presenter. He had been expected to continue fronting the coverage of the FA Cup and World Cup but faced criticism for sharing a post about Zionism.
The former striker has been fronting the Rest is Football’s Netflix show after his podcast moved mainstream for this summer’s tournament. He made a cameo appearance on ITV, to help promote his upcoming reality show, where he even made a sly dig at his former employers when he jokingly led the presenting role before being put in his place by Laura Woods.
“Sorry, sorry. Old habits,” he said. Lineker and Richards work together on the podcast, with the pair likely to be reacting to England’s win on their show, which will be aired at 6am on Sunday morning, live from New York.