Danny Murphy issued an on-air apology after slamming his microphone into the table during England's World Cup third-place match against France, prompting commentator Steve Wilson to intervene.
Murphy's Frustration Boils Over
Murphy and Wilson were on duty for England's 6-4 win as they secured third place at the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side played their final match of the tournament after a heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. The third-place play-off, what looked to be a largely redundant fixture that neither side wanted to contest, turned into a breathless goalfest.
The Three Lions stormed into a stunning 4-0 half-time lead, with goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a first-half brace from Bukayo Saka. After the break, the Arsenal forward completed his hat-trick, before Jude Bellingham added a sixth in stoppage time.
Wilson's Quick Reaction
Despite a spirited French fightback, England secured their best World Cup finish since 1966. Saka and Bellingham both came close to adding more, only to be denied in quick succession by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. That seemed to infuriate Murphy during commentary in the gantry as Wilson described the moment. The former Liverpool and England midfielder was seen on the edge of his seat reacting to the missed chances, using his microphone as an outlet for frustration by banging it on the table.
Naturally, viewers at home could hear the noise. Commentator Wilson joked: "Danny, people can hear you if you bang your microphone on the table!" before Murphy apologised. He said: "Sorry, sorry. It was either that or shout really loud."
Saka Reflects on Tournament
Following the disappointment of failing to make it to the final, man of the match Saka felt he could have done more to help his country in the tournament. "Of course I'd love to have played a bigger part but it's too late for that," he said. "I tried to do my talking on the pitch but it's time to move on. Yeah, I'm fit, I'm fit."
The 24-year-old entered the tournament as a fitness concern after being pushed to his limit, playing through injury while helping Arsenal win the Premier League. Saka also refused to be drawn into the criticism surrounding England manager Tuchel, who faced calls to be dismissed after Argentina's late comeback. He added: "I think it's just part of the game, when you win there will be noise and when you lose, it's about how you react to it and use it as fuel, we finished strong. We built and built across the tournament. We had some amazing results and in the end we fell short against Argentina. It hurts a lot to all of us and I'm sure it's the same to the fans back home but we have to hold our head high and focus on the next one."
