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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

BBC Sport make sly move in bid to win England Euro 2020 Final ratings battle vs ITV

The BBC have made a sly move ahead of their coverage of the Euro 2020 Final.

England will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday evening with the UK's two biggest channels broadcasting the showpiece.

ITV also have the rights to show the colossal event but have been hit by the news of their rivals trying to get ahead.

It will be the Three Lions' debut in a European Championship Final, never reaching the biggest stage prior to the win over Denmark on Wednesday.

Harry Kane's 104th-minute penalty rebound strike saw England reach their first final of a major tournament since their famous 1966 victory over West Germany when an estimated 32.3 million tuned in.

Harry Kane has captained England to their first final since 1966 (UEFA via Getty Images)

Now, the Three Lions are hoping to once again come out on top, as are both BBC and ITV in a battle for who can attract the most eyes on what could be a famous night in English sporting history.

While ITV will begin their coverage at 6:30pm, the BBC have altered their schedule to start 10 minutes earlier than their TV counterparts.

This comes after BBC One already changed their run-time from a one-hour build-up to 90 minutes, once England had reached the final.

The earlier start time could see ITV miss out on millions of eager viewers keen to engulf themselves in the action as early as possible.

Gary Lineker will host the BBC’s coverage, with Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard joining him as pundits.

Guy Mowbray will provide commentary along with Jermaine Jenas.

Meanwhile, Gabby Logan will be pitchside alongside Alex Scott and German World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann, while Kelly Somers will provide squad news and conduct interviews.

ITV, on the other hand, will have Mark Pougatch joined by Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville.

Let us know your thoughts on the Euro 2020 Final's TV coverage in our special survey. Have your say here!

Presenter Seema Jaswal will be pitchside alongside Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes and former Three Lions left-back Ashley Cole.

Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon will be on commentary, with Hayes and Neville billed to give insight.

ITV will also screen Michael Caine’s classic film The Italian Job from 3:55pm, an alternative way to prepare for the clash.

A peak television audience of 25.8 million tuned in to ITV’s coverage of England’s victorious semi-final, making it the most-watched football match on a single channel ever - plus the 1.8m who tuned in via the ITV Hub.

60,000 fortunate spectators will be in attendance at the national stadium, of which 8,000 will be Azzurri fans thanks to special dispensation granted for 1,000 supporters to fly in on Sunday .

Gareth Southgate's Three Lions, however, will still certainly feel the home advantage.

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