Former England footballer Rio Ferdinand has publicly criticised the BBC's decision to leave out Fara Williams from their broadcast team for today's Euro 2025 final.
The ex-Manchester United defender took to social media to express his disappointment about the absence of England's record appearance holder from the pre-match coverage.
Ferdinand posted on Twitter: "How's @fara_williams47 not on the @BBCSport coverage".
His message highlighted the omission of the 41-year-old former Lioness from the broadcaster's line-up ahead of England's championship defence against Spain.
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|Former England footballer Rio Ferdinand has publicly criticised the BBC's decision to leave out Fara Williams from their broadcast team for today's Euro 2025 final
The criticism came as England prepared to face Spain in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final at today's European Championship decider.
Williams holds the distinction of being England's most-decorated international player, having earned an extraordinary 172 caps during her distinguished playing career.
The 41-year-old has successfully transitioned into broadcasting since retirement, establishing herself as a respected voice in football punditry.
Her expertise has made her a familiar face on BBC Sport, where she has provided analysis throughout this summer's tournament.
How’s @fara_williams47 not on the @BBCSport coverage 😱😱😱
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 27, 2025
The broadcaster, sharing coverage duties with ITV, has regularly featured Williams as part of their punditry team during the European Championship.
Despite this established role during the competition, she was notably missing from the presenting team assembled for Sunday's crucial pre-match programming.
England are attempting to secure consecutive European Championship victories as they face Spain.
The match represents a repeat of last year's World Cup final, where Spain emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.
England manager Sarina Wiegman dismissed suggestions that the previous encounter would influence today's contest.
"We've played each other a lot over the last couple of years. You always have learnings," she stated.
The manager acknowledged mutual familiarity between the teams, adding: "They will have learned from us in the games we've played.
"[The final] is a new situation so hopefully we can exploit some of the weaknesses they have too."
Wiegman also admitted that England had made it hard for themselves in getting to the final.
"I'm having a heart attack too, I just don't show it," she admitted.
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|Fara Williams has made more appearances for the Lionesses than any other player in history
"We want to be best prepared. We try to prepare on what can happen in the game and what we need. That is how the squad is built.
"We figured out what we need if need to change things. We have spoken through all the scenarios but during the game it's what you think is necessary.
"When we want to change, we can do it."