Thank god then for Auntie, whose studio pundits have not only recognised that this World Cup has been a bit dull, but also had the pragmatic sense to add some humour into proceedings. So, at least you are rewarded for sitting through 90 minutes of uninspiring football with a wry reassurance that it’s been a communal suffering and ultimately we can all have a laugh about how boring it was.
Watching ITV’s coverage is a different matter altogether – and I’m not just saying that because they made me watch a car advert on Saturday night when Steven Gerrard was scoring England’s only goal.
Adrian Chiles is undoubtedly a true football fan, but unfortunately he’s the type of fan you see all too often at the Valley watching Charlton who bears the weight of the world on their shoulders and you get the feeling cares just a little too much.
Gareth Southgate has always had the look of a neurotic auditor and now he looks like an auditor experiencing a mid-life crisis as his shirt become increasingly unbuttoned with every appearance. And then there’s Kevin Keegan, who looks like he hasn’t slept since he resigned as England manager in October 2000.
The cumulative effect it creates is one of mild panic and I find myself watching matches on ITV worrying: “Oh god, they’re not going to like this in the studio – it could push them over the edge.”
Perhaps I’m reading too much into it, but I put the BBC one up on coverage so far.
