GUY MOWBRAY has revealed that Alan Shearer always reminds him to bring to a surprise item to the commentary box.
The BBC broadcaster will be sat alongside the former England star to lead viewers through coverage of the Euro 2024 final between the Three Lions and Spain tonight.
With millions watching up and down the country, there is huge pressure on Mowbray to get things right.
But despite commentating on almost 1,400 matches during his 20 years at the BBC, the 52-year-old admits he still forgets an item vital to his coverage of games.
Mowbray told The Mail about his document full of facts and stats, saying: “There’s a Word template I use for my notes which has far too much detail.
“I take a portable printer with me everywhere we go.
“Alan Shearer always shouts ‘printer’ before we leave because I always leave it.”
Despite his in-depth notes, Mowbray relies on instinct and pure emotion to deliver iconic lines.
He said: “Whatever comes out will come out.
“I’ll never prepare a script but the pressure is always there.
EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS
“I always have that panicky feeling in the morning when I’m having a shower or walking the dog.”
Mowbray said after England’s opening match against Serbia: “Teams that win tournaments tend to grow into tournaments.”
And the commentator could well be right if Gareth Southgate‘s men are able to bring it home tonight.
Viewers have a choice whether to watch the match on the BBC or ITV, with Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon in the commentary box for the latter channel.
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
