Chapman quips 'Gary who?' then backtracks on live BBC England semi-final coverage

BBC Sport lead presenter Mark Chapman made a self-correcting joke at Gary Lineker’s expense during live coverage of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, before hastily walking it back on air.

The moment came when pundit and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards reacted to a statistics graphic showing Jude Bellingham’s contributions — a graphic that also featured Lineker’s name. Richards told viewers he was unhappy to see his former colleague on the list, adding that Lineker had texted him to say he was “dropping down the table.”

Chapman responded with a quick jab — “Gary, Gary who?” — before immediately catching himself: “Joke, joke, joke before everyone piles on. Goodness me.”

Lineker had originally been set to front the BBC’s World Cup coverage in North America but departed at the end of the last Premier League season amid sustained pressure over his social media activity. Chapman, alongside Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, has led the broadcaster’s presentation throughout the tournament, moving from Salford to Atlanta for the semi-final stage.

The 65-year-old has remained a visible presence in the United States regardless, covering the tournament as part of The Rest is Football’s partnership with Netflix, broadcasting daily from New York City. His name has surfaced repeatedly during BBC coverage across the competition.

The Bellingham graphic that sparked the exchange showed the Real Madrid midfielder scoring seven goals inside the penalty area while covering just 9.4 metres — placing him alongside Lineker, Rudi Völler, Gerd Müller, and Miroslav Klose among the most efficient finishers by distance travelled per goal in the data set.

Bellingham has been central to Thomas Tuchel’s England reaching the last four, contributing back-to-back braces against Mexico and Norway. He sits one goal behind captain Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot as England look to reach their second World Cup final.