BBC & ITV Reveal England World Cup Split

The BBC will show England’s opening group match against Italy on 14th June, after ITV opted for the Three Lions’ second game against Uruguay five days later in the split of live matches for the World Cup in Brazil.

ITV will also screen England’s final group game against Costa Rica, and the opener between Brazil and Croatia on 12th June.

England’s opening game in Manaus, which was brought forward three hours following a FIFA decision, was passed up by ITV – who had first option on the contest, with the game moved from 2am to 11pm BST.

While the change in time is good for football fans back in the UK, the decision compounded England’s nightmare group draw, with manager Roy Hodgson hoping for the game to be played as late as possible in a bid to avoid Manaus’ notorious heat and humidity. 

England’s ‘Group of Death’ could prove difficult for Roy Hodgson’s men, who have never beaten Italy or Uruguay at a major tournament, while they have never faced Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, the BBC’s live coverage starts with Spain v Netherlands the day before England kick off, on 13th June.

The BBC has the first pick of the last 16 and semi-finals games, while ITV has first pick of the quarter-finals. Both will show the final live on 13th July.

Philip Bernie, BBC head of TV sport, said: ‘We’re very pleased with our selection of matches. The BBC is delighted to be showing this great selection of games and our audiences will be able to join in – not only live on BBC One but on radio and online, where our very extensive coverage will deliver the first truly digital World Cup.’

Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, added: ‘Viewers will be able to watch all matches live online on itv.com, which will also host a dedicated World Cup site offering comprehensive coverage in the build-up to – and throughout – what promises to be a special tournament in this most iconic of football countries.’