MC EMMA
Voice of the Vicarage Saunders flies flag for England in Moscow
AT least England made it to the World Cup final after all – even if it’s only one of us.
And as Emma Saunders, the first lady of Premier League public address speakers, prepares to fly the flag in the Luzhniki Stadium tomorrow, her only regret is that she will not be introducing England players at the biggest show in football.
If you thought you’d heard her before, you’re probably right.
Saunders became the first female matchday announcer in English football when she took over as the voice of Watford three years ago.
She is also a regular presenter and reporter on the airwaves for BBC Radio London, Final Score and Radio Five Live.
And her warm-up for France v Croatia tomorrow night will be to announce the England team before kick-off, and any goalscorers for Gareth Southgate’s near-legends, in the third place play-off against Belgium in St Petersburg.
As a broadcaster, she is already in the realm of fantasy football at 26 years of age, and she said: “Who would have thought it? From Watford to the World Cup final, it’s an amazing opportunity.
“This really is a dream come true – it’s incredible.
“I could not be more proud or thrilled. “When I came out here, I thought I would only be doing the group stages in Kaliningrad, so it’s very special that it’s turned into this.”
Even if Southgate, who was born in Watford, didn’t quite make it to last orders for Moscow mules, Saunders has added another layer of gloss to a glittering World Cup for the sisterhood. As well as the assured anchorage of Jacqui Oatley (below) on ITV’s coverage, pundits Alex Scott and Eni Aluko broke the masonic code for men-only panels of pundits.
But Saunders’ ascent to matchday announcements at the World Cup final is another one in the eye for subscribers to comedian Harry Enfield’s classic sketch Women, Know Your Limits.
At Southampton, cult hero Francis Benali’s daughter Kenzie is among the Saints’ roster of matchday hosts, while Kelly Somers was a regular pre-game continuity announcer at West Ham last season.
Watford’s head of communications Richard Walker said: “We are all very proud of Emma’s achievements at the World Cup and feel honoured that she’s representing our club.
“The clarity of her announcing has made Emma a very popular part of our supporters’ matchdays here at Vicarage Road.”