Gary Lineker gate-crashes BBC coverage to back England's World Cup semi-final win

Gary Lineker made an unscheduled return to BBC Sport during its coverage of England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, gate-crashing Micah Richards’ analysis segment to back Jude Bellingham’s match-winning brace — roughly a year after his high-profile departure from the broadcaster.

Lineker, wearing an England shirt, leapt into frame while Richards was discussing a reversed penalty decision by French referee Clement Turpin, who had ruled that Djed Spence initiated contact with Oscar Bobb before going to ground. “Definitely a penalty,” Lineker declared, visibly catching Richards off guard, before adding: “Come on England. Nice to see you all there.” He then departed as quickly as he had arrived.

Wayne Rooney, who was providing analysis alongside Ellen White, could not resist a parting shot at his former international colleague. “Kit looks a bit snug there, Gaz,” Rooney remarked with a grin.

BBC Sport had picked up coverage of Thomas Tuchel’s side securing their World Cup semi-final berth after ITV held the broadcast rights for the quarter-final itself. Richards was dialling in from New York when Lineker’s cameo interrupted proceedings midway through the programme.

The 65-year-old’s mood was noticeably brighter than it had been earlier in the week, when he used The Rest Is Football podcast to criticise VAR’s involvement in Argentina’s controversial 3-2 win over Egypt in the round of 16. In that match, Egypt appeared to have doubled their lead early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, only for the decision to be overturned — a call Lineker publicly lambasted.