Micah Richards lost his father minutes before going on air for England's World Cup exit

Micah Richards delivered his analysis of England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday having learned, just minutes before going on air, that his father Lincoln had died unexpectedly.

The BBC pundit posted on Instagram after the match to share the news. “Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” Richards wrote. “His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.”

Richards paid tribute to his father’s unwavering support throughout his career. “He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.”

The former Manchester City defender explained his decision to continue with the broadcast. “I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.”

He closed the post with a message to his family: “Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”

The post drew an outpouring of support from across sport and public life. Fellow pundit Karen Carney wrote: “Sending love Micah, he will be so proud.” Former England captains John Terry and Harry Maguire both sent messages, as did former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, chef Gordon Ramsay, and former midfielder Clarence Seedorf.

On the pitch, Richards had assessed a painful evening for England, who led 1-0 before Thomas Tuchel’s side sat deep and conceded two late goals, both assisted by Lionel Messi, to exit the tournament at the semi-final stage.