ITV show Roy’s boys how to hit top form

URUGUAY v England in Sao Paulo, two teams still without a point, but both determined to go out and make one. And for in-form ITV? It was about putting their best foot forward for a peak-time World Cup showdown that should turn out to be the most watched TV programme of the year so far. Adrian Chiles was joined in their Rio studio by Lee Dixon, former England manager, Glenn Hoddle and Gus Poyet. Missing, and missed by his colleagues and the viewers alike, was Ian Wright who had rushed back to the UK following a disturbing break-in at his family home on Tuesday evening. On site at the Arena de Sao Paulo, ITV were fielding a pair of Townsends, Andros and Andy. Pitchside was Andros (pictured), the ‘come from nowhere’ man who helped steer England to Brazil before injury curtailed his World Cup chances, whilst his namesake Andy was in that most current of hot seats, as England match co-commentator with the experienced Clive Tyldesley. ITV open the programme with the news we all feared — and expected. Suarez in, not 100 per cent, but on the pitch. And that drove the opening thoughts of the experts. How fit is ‘fit’? How dangerous is ‘dangerous’? Andros Townsend still thought fit or nearly fit he would be a barrel load of trouble. ‘He could nutmeg a mermaid.’ In a memorable filmed sequence England players spoke directly to camera of what it meant to them to play for their country. Simple, touching and genuine. ‘You’re not supposed to enjoy watching England in the World Cup, you know that by now.’ Tyldesley and Townsend, Andy, that is, both seasoned England watchers, were off and running. England started well, a Rooney free-kick went close. ‘A good spell for England,’ Tyldesley offers a little later. Then in the 39th minute Suarez scores a brilliant header. ‘It just had to be Luis Suarez.’ We sort of knew it would be. ‘Half the team are still in the dressing room.’ Tyldesley perfectly captures England’s sluggish start to the second half. The match director cuts to shots of worried England fans. There are two more in my living room. And then, at last a Wayne Rooney World Cup goal. A great moment. It is now all England. But a goalkeeper’s punt, a missed header by Steven Gerrard, some poor defending behind him gives his Liverpool team-mate, Luis Suarez half an opening and that’s enough. ‘I guess we should be glad he wasn’t fully fit.’ Chiles’ irony send us into the commercial break. Back in the studio, Poyet recognised that England, having got level, should ‘go for a win BUT not lose the game’. Hoddle and Dixon nodded. Roy Hodgson was ‘disappointed and devastated’. And the ride may soon be over.