As reported by journalist Adam Millington, England’s lacklustre World Cup display in drawing 0-0 with the USA might not have been much of a surprise for some, due to the UK TV channel the game was broadcast on.
In the UK, all World Cup and European championship games are shown on free-to-air television, with broadcasters BBC and ITV splitting coverage of the games at major tournaments. However, England fair far better when their games are shown on BBC as opposed to ITV.
Since the 1998 World Cup, England have won just twice in 13 games at major tournaments when playing on ITV. However, of the 14 games shown on the BBC in the same period, England have won 11 and lost just three times.
Coach Gareth Southgate might be pleased to hear that England return to the BBC for their final group game with Wales next week, but are likely to then move to ITV again for any potential last-16 tie.
GWFN
