England and Scotland launch campaigns for EUROs glory live on Channel4

30 June 2017

England and Scotland launch their campaigns for UEFA Women’s EUROs glory when they go head to head live on Channel 4. See our website here.

Channel 4’s EUROs coverage features a first class line-up which includes Clare Balding, Ian Wright, Michael Owen, Jermaine Jenas and three of the women’s games most capped players – Chelsea Ladies’ Eni Aluko, Arsenal Ladies’ Heather O’Reilly and England’s record goal scorer Kelly Smith – and Scotland star Kim Little who agonisingly missed out on these EUROs due to injury.

Clare Balding will be joined pitchside in the Netherlands by Michael Owen, former Lioness Eni Aluko, Kim Little and Heather O’Reilly when Scotland and England play the opening match of their group game on Wednesday, 19 July. Glasgow City FC coach Scott Booth and former professional Lucy Ward will join Steve Bower in the commentary box.

Channel 4 and More4 will air live coverage of England’s and Scotland’s group matches against Portugal and Spain as they bid to qualify for the knock-out phase of the tournament. All knock out games featuring England and Scotland will also be aired live.

Clare said: “As a huge supporter of women’s sport, I believe that football can have a massive impact on the confidence, fitness and well-being of girls and young women, as well as boys and young men. 

“I am so excited to be a part of the Euro 2017 coverage on Channel 4 and I think the tournament can do a huge amount to spread a positive message as well as providing great sport.

“There will much anticipation around Scotland’s debut and an England team that are serious contenders. It would be great if both teams can do well and help the growth of the game so that even more youngsters are inspired to play.” 

On 23 July, Ian Wright joins Clare Balding when England take on Spain live on Channel 4. And on the same day, Scotland face Portugal live on More4 where former Scotland manager Vera Pauw joins presenter Kirsteen O’Sullivan.

Every single tournament match will be available live on All4 which will also host a daily highlights show of the best of the day’s action.

Channel 4’s Head of Entertainment, Sport and TV Events Ed Havard said: “This is a massive moment for women’s football and Channel 4 is showcasing the EUROs with a first class presenting team led by Clare Balding. England have a genuine chance of becoming European Champions and Scotland have everything to play for, so we’re set for a thrilling tournament.”

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 Finals open with the host nation The Netherlands taking on Norway on 16 July. Of the 16 teams in the tournament, Scotland are currently ranked 11th while England’s Lionesses are ranked third behind the current holders Germany and second placed France.

If both home nations make it through the group stage, the only way they could meet again would be in the final which will be shown live on Channel 4 on 6 August. England are among the favourites to win the tournament having reached the semi-finals of last year’s FIFA World Cup in Canada where they finished third.

Channel 4 will also show live coverage of at least one quarter-final and at least one of the semi-final matches which take place on 3 August.

Notes to Editors

Channel 4’s presenting line up in full -

Presenters:

Clare Balding – Clare is one of Britain's leading broadcasters, having won numerous awards including the BAFTA Special Award and RTS Presenter of the Year Award, Sports Presenter of the Year, Sports Presenter of the Year at the TRIC Awards, Racing Journalist of the Year, special achievement award at the Women in Film and Television awards for her work on the Olympics and Paralympics. Clare has also been honoured for her presenting with awards from Attitude Magazine, Red Magazine, Tatler and the Horserace Writers Association.

Kirsteen O’Sullivan – freelance journalist covering both men’s and women’s sport as well as hosting TV3's coverage of the UEFA Champions League

Pundits:

Eni Aluko – Chelsea Ladies and former England international

Scott Booth – former player and current coach of Scottish Women’s Premier League club, Glasgow City FC

Jermaine Jenas – former England, Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder

Kim Little - Scotland’s leading goal scorer, missed out on these finals due to injury

Vera Pauw – former Dutch international and Scotland manager

Michael Owen – former England and Liverpool striker

Ian Wright – Arsenal and England legend

Commentators & Analysts:

Steve Bower – sports commentator, one of the main voices at the last two FIFA men’s World Cups

Robyn Cowen – sports reporter with wide range of experience working for BBC

Lee McKenzie – renowned journalist and presenter with a career spanning 20 years

Heather O’Reilly – one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game, the American has won three Olympic Gold medals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup

Sam Quek – a key figure in the Team GB women’s hockey side that won a historic gold at the Rio Olympics and a massive Liverpool FC fan

Kelly Smith – revered as the best female footballer England has ever produced and the nation’s international top goal scorer

Lucy Ward – a pioneer for the women's game, former player for Leeds Carnegie and head of education & welfare at the boys’ academy for Leeds United

Channel 4’s coverage of the EUROs is being producer by Whisper Films. Former BBC Head of Football Mark Cole, now Head of TV at Whisper Films, is leading a team that has a wealth of experience in football production.

McDonald’s will be the exclusive broadcast sponsor of Channel 4’s EUROs coverage.