Gary Lineker made a light-hearted cameo on ITV's World Cup coverage on Saturday night, briefly pretending to be the presenter before Laura Woods interjected. The former BBC host, who left Match of the Day in May 2023, appeared as a pundit for Germany's Group E match against Côte d'Ivoire.
Comedic Start to ITV Debut
Lineker began by saying, "Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel," before Woods cut him off with, "Gary, that's my job!" Lineker replied, "Sorry, sorry. Old habits!" The exchange was met with laughter from the studio.
Reflections on World Cup History
ITV aired a segment on Lineker's World Cup career, including winning the Golden Boot in 1986 and the Hand of God match against Argentina. Lineker also discussed Harry Kane equalling his record of 10 World Cup goals for England. "I am not a violent man, but I did kick the door down!" Lineker joked. "In all seriousness, Harry is a way better all-round No 9 than I was."
Dig at BBC and Praise for ITV
Lineker took a subtle jab at the BBC, which is broadcasting from Salford, while praising ITV's New York studio backdrop. "I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we're in Times Square, but I did desperately want to come and see your set," he said. "I think it's absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real."
The light-hearted tone continued as Woods allowed Lineker to take the show into a break, though she later praised his "fabulous job" as presenter before returning to the match action.
