ITV has emerged victorious in the coverage of the Euro 2020 final, surpassing its rival BBC, thanks to a critical misstep made by the latter during their pre-match interview with England manager Gareth Southgate. As the highly anticipated match between England and Italy drew near, both ITV and BBC conducted interviews with Southgate. However, BBC’s interview took an awkward turn when presenter Gabby Logan asked Southgate a question about his decision to substitute Bukayo Saka during the semi-final against Denmark. Southgate responded by saying, “I don’t think I’ll be answering questions about individual players before the game.” This unexpected response caught viewers off guard and made BBC’s pre-match coverage appear disorganized. In contrast, ITV’s interview with Southgate, conducted by presenter Mark Pougatch, proceeded smoothly and without any hiccups. Pougatch’s questions focused on the team’s overall strategy and preparation, providing viewers with valuable insights into England’s approach to the final. As the match unfolded, ITV’s coverage continued to impress. Commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon provided expert analysis, while pundits Ian Wright and Graeme Souness offered insightful commentary. ITV’s cameras also captured the atmosphere inside the packed Wembley Stadium, immersing viewers in the electric energy of the occasion. BBC’s coverage, on the other hand, struggled to regain momentum after the Southgate interview blunder. While Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer provided their usual expertise, the overall broadcast seemed disjointed and lacking the same level of excitement as ITV’s. Ultimately, ITV’s superior coverage resulted in higher viewership numbers. The match drew an average of 26.1 million viewers on ITV, compared to 24.1 million on BBC. This victory firmly establishes ITV as the preferred destination for major football events in the UK.BBC vs. ITV: A Battle of Broadcasting GiantsBBC vs. ITV: A Battle of Broadcasting Giants The England vs. Spain match sparked heated debates, not only on the pitch but also in the broadcast studios of BBC and ITV. The BBC’s experienced team of Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Juan Mata, and Micah Richards provided sharp analysis, while ITV’s panel of Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Mark Pougatch offered an equally insightful perspective. Regarding punditry, ITV gradually bridged the gap with BBC in recent years. Ian Neville’s pithy remark on Gareth Southgate’s explanation for the defeat aptly summarized the sentiments of viewers. However, BBC’s scene-setting and packaging remained superior, featuring compelling montages and national treasures in the build-up. ITV’s interview with Keir Starmer was a notable highlight, despite its potential polarizing effect on viewers. BBC’s pre-match montage stood out as a masterpiece, written by James Graham and narrated by Joseph Fiennes. While BBC’s attempt at uplifting messages from loved ones fell somewhat flat, ITV’s more conventional approach proved effective. The BBC’s half-time pairing of Kelly Somers and Alex Scott puzzled some viewers, while Ferdinand’s half-time verdict on Spain’s defense was a spot-on highlight. Technical glitches marred Southgate’s post-match interview on BBC, adding an element of irony to an already bittersweet evening. Lineker’s closing remarks, “England pain again as Spain reign,” reflected the collective disappointment. Ultimately, ITV emerged as the victor in this particular broadcast duel, demonstrating that the rivalry between these broadcasting giants continues to evolve and entertain viewers.ITV’s coverage of the Euro 2020 final has been praised, with many viewers saying it was superior to the BBC’s. One of the key reasons for this was ITV’s exclusive interview with England manager Gareth Southgate after the match. In the interview, Southgate spoke candidly about his team’s performance and his own emotions. He also praised the fans for their support throughout the tournament. The interview was widely praised for its honesty and insight, and it gave viewers a unique perspective on the match and its aftermath. In contrast, the BBC’s coverage of the final was criticized for being too focused on the result and for not giving enough attention to the human stories behind the match. Viewers also complained that the BBC’s commentary was biased in favor of England. As a result of the criticism, the BBC has apologized for its coverage of the final. The corporation has promised to learn from its mistakes and to provide better coverage of future major sporting events.