Gary Lineker and BBC pundits 'attacked by big hornets' during live Euro 2024 coverage
Gary Lineker and his fellow BBC pundits were "attacked by big hornets" during England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
Lineker was joined by Rio Ferdinand, Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards as England won the game 1-0 thanks to an early header from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. And as they gave their thoughts on the game at half-time, a swarm of hornets descended.
BBC reporter Kelly Somers was pitchside in Gelesenkirchen with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and after the pair finished giving their thoughts on the game, Lineker told viewers: "Second half we're looking forward to that.
"We've been attacked by big hornets flying around…" However, they quickly turned their attention back to the football, with England going on to win the game and go top of their group after Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia.
Reflecting on the victory, Ferdinand said: "We we seem to lack a bit of composure in the moments. And it did get a little bit hairy at times. But I think you have to take what you can from the from that game, clean sheet, a new centre back pairing in it.
"What the world of good getting that clean sheet and a win's a win. It's not how you start at all, but it's how you finish." Richards agreed with Ferdinand's assessment, suggesting England were lacking confidence after half-time.
"I just think in that second half they'd lacked that belief," Richards added. "You know, when you got going to a game and you got your shoulders out, and for the first 30 minutes, they were brilliant.
Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards
"Sometimes and subconsciously, we all do it when, when you've got a lead, you try to protect it. And I think that's just the negative side in in what we're seeing today. I just think with the players we have, we've got to be able to control games better, even when we're not pushing for for another goal.
"Tactically, I didn't like what England did in the second half. They were sloppy in terms of positioning, they dropped a little bit deeper. I just think that the panic set in and Serbia and I said before the game, they're a good team.
"They're a physical team. They've got some really good players, but against a better team, you will get punished. And I know it's only the start of the tournament, but it's something they need to learn on and need to learn quick, because, yeah, in the second half, they were underwhelming."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.