BBC slammed for England vs Spain Euro 2025 final coverage as Man Utd icon leads criticism

The BBC has been criticised after pundit Fara Williams was notably absent from their Euro 2025 final coverage - with Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand leading the charge. Williams, who has a remarkable 172 caps for the England Lionesses and was set to watch them take on Spain in Sunday's final, was conspicuously missing from the broadcaster's line-up in Switzerland.

The BBC's coverage was led by Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, with expert commentary from Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Jill Scott, Nedum Onouha, and Fran Kirby, as they competed with ITV for the final's viewership.

Ferdinand voiced his astonishment at Williams not being part of the broadcast when he tuned in, taking to social media to question the decision by posting: "How's @fara_williams47 not on the @BBCSport coverage." His message was punctuated with several shocked emojis.

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Other viewers echoed Ferdinand's sentiment, with @0try_ commenting: "Exactly ! No disrespect to all pundits on BBC today, but she's one of the best n should be there..".

Support for these opinions came from @RFootballTales, who insisted: "We need the explanation right now."

Williams herself had been active on social media during the day, joining former England teammate Scott and presenter Kelly Somers on a panel. She also shared two videos on her Instagram story from inside St. Jakob-Park while cheering on Sarina Wiegman's side.

Viewers expressed a hint of disappointment as Ian Wright, a familiar face, was absent from the BBC's coverage, instead appearing on ITV for England's semi-final triumph over Italy.

The broadcasting rights for the final were split between BBC and ITV, with Laura Woods helming the ITV coverage. She was accompanied by a panel that included Wright, Semra Hunter, Emma Hayes, Karen Carney, Anita Asante and Veronica Boquete.

Williams posted a video from her stadium seat, capturing the teams' entrance onto the pitch and another during the national anthems.

However, the initial optimism from the stands swiftly turned to dismay when Mariona Caldentey put Spain ahead in the 25th minute.

Lauren James, who had undergone a late fitness test before starting the final, had to be substituted just before half-time, with Chloe Kelly stepping in.

Kelly then assisted the equalising goal as her cross found Alessia Russo, sending the travelling Lionesses fans into raptures.

Penalties ultimately determined the winner, with Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick that saw England retain the Euros. Celebrations are set to take place in central London on Tuesday, July 29, beginning with a parade along The Mall and culminating with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.