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Presenter reflects on a shy Gary Lineker, a charming Ruud Gullit, and how it felt to anchor coverage of England at home 25 years ago
“Hello, it’s June 30th and we’re at Wembley for the European Championship final, England against Scotland. Well, we can dream can’t we?”
So began the BBC’s coverage of Euro 96’s opening match, anchored and narrated, unmistakably, by Des Lynam. Eyebrow cocked, moustache bristling, Lynam was a master of knowing when a moment required stylish understatement or a sincere and earnest address. At the semi-final stage 25 years ago, with the host nation fluctuating between euphoria and hysteria, his introduction to England against Germany was the perfect antidote: “You’ve obviously heard there is a football match on tonight.” Lynam closed that night’s coverage, after England’s penalty shootout defeat, with the line: “If you’re going to have a drink tonight, do it with pride and not with aggression.” Continue reading...