Podcast news: BBC’s John Murray - ‘All we want is a bog-standard England win’
BBC 5 Live commentator John Murray thinks England might sneak past Switzerland on penalties when the two teams meet in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Saturday.
Murray, who is commentating on Gareth Southgate’s quest for glory in Germany, was a guest on Sports News Blitz’s first podcast - and admits it has been hard work watching England so far.
The pre-tournament favourites secured an opening 1-0 win over Serbia, then laboured to draws with Denmark and Slovenia before leaving it late to keep their hopes alive against Slovakia, who were leading 1-0 until Jude Bellingham levelled in the last minute with a stunning overhead kick.
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Ivan Toney set up Harry Kane for a match-winning header in extra time to book a last-eight clash with the in-form Swiss, who disposed of defending champions Italy to reach the quarters - and will provide the sternest test so far for Southgate’s troops.
Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1 and drew 1-1 with Scotland and Germany before seeing off the Italians, and Saturday’s match was discussed by host Matt Dudley, Sam Herd and special guest Murray, who when asked for a prediction said: “England win on penalties.
“Every single match here - we’ve talked about the score on the way to the match in our vehicle - and everyone has generally said, ‘yeah, 2-0 to England’...and it’s not happened.
“All we want is a bog-standard win and to play a little bit better.”
On England’s tournament so far, Murray said: “In the opening game against Serbia, when we got the early goal, we played quite well in the early stages - but since then, it's been an almighty struggle - but they're still in it.”
Reports are suggesting Southgate will switch to a back three in Dusseldorf, with the suspension of impressive centre-back Mark Guehi forcing the England boss to tinker with his line-up.
Fans and pundits are desperate for Southgate to make changes having witnessed four underwhelming performances, and reports suggest he could select a 3-5-2 formation with Toney lining up alongside captain Kane, who has looked isolated in a lone striker role so far.
On England’s chances of lifting the trophy, Murray said: “At the moment, I just think there's too much wrong.
“But, I mean, they've got the talent, they've got the team, they've got the players who are capable of getting three more results.
“It feels like it's going to come to an end sooner or later, but you don't know, and they've had a week to work on this, but I don't know.
“It just feels that the whole feeling around it, they're saying all the right things, but the proof that we're seeing on the page isn't convincing at the moment.
“But maybe they'll make a couple of changes that do actually tweak things - and maybe it'll do something magical. We'll see.”
Euro 2024 news: Southgate considering a back three for England vs Switzerland clash
Sports News Blitz’s podcast will stand out from the crowd as we will talk to commentators from across the sporting arena, with Murray the first of many to come.
You can find us on Spotify and Youtube - and below, we take a look at Murray’s distinguished career and legacy…
BBC Radio Career:
Murray has been an integral voice on BBC Radio 5 Live, where his tenure spans multiple decades.
Throughout his career, he has provided masterful commentary for an array of major football tournaments, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and international spectacles like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Commentary Style:
Renowned for his clear, articulate, and passionately evocative commentary style, John Murray has become a beloved figure among listeners.
His insightful analysis and profound understanding of football have cemented his status as a preeminent commentator.
Major Events:
Murray has had the honour of covering numerous historic moments in football. His commentary during these pivotal matches is often cited and cherished, capturing the essence and drama of the sport in real-time.
Recognition:
The respect and admiration John Murray commands from peers and audiences alike underscore his exceptional contributions to sports broadcasting.
He is universally regarded as one of the foremost football commentators in the United Kingdom, celebrated for his professionalism and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Other Contributions:
Beyond live match commentary, Murray has enriched various BBC sports programs, offering his expertise in discussions, analysis, and sports journalism.
John Murray’s voice continues to be a cherished presence in the realm of sports broadcasting.
His profound impact on football commentary has left an indelible mark, making him a revered and respected figure whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
