BBC slammed for England vs Spain Euro 2025 final coverage as Man Utd icon hits out

The BBC have faced backlash, led by Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand, after pundit Fara Williams was not seen on their coverage of the Euro 2025 final. She made 172 caps for the England Lionesses, who took on Spain in the showpiece on Sunday, but had been notably absent in Switzerland.

Beeb's coverage was led by Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, with Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Jill Scott, Nedum Onouha and Fran Kirby all providing expert analysis, with the BBC competing with ITV, who also secured rights to the final.

But Ferdinand could not believe that when he turned on the TV, Williams was nowhere to be found. He took to social media to lambast the coverage, writing: "How's @fara_williams47 not on the @BBCSport coverage." His message also included several surprised emojis.

He was backed up by fellow viewers outraged at the decision, with @0try_ writing: "Exactly ! No disrespect to all pundits on BBC today, but she's one of the best n should be there.."

Their sentiments were echoed by @RFootballTales, who added: "We need the explanation right now."

Williams had posted on Instagram on several occasions throughout the day, being joined by former England team-mate Scott and presenter Kelly Somers for a panel. She also shared two videos to her story while inside St. Jakob-Park as she cheered on Sarina Wiegman's side.

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There were also some complaints that familiar face Ian Wright was not fronting the BBC's coverage, though he was on screens for ITV instead, as he was for England's semi-final victory over Italy.

BBC and ITV shared the rights for the final, with Laura Woods hosting coverage on ITV, joined by Wright, Semra Hunter, Emma Hayes, Karen Carney, Anita Asante and Veronica Boquete.

Williams posted a video of the two teams walking out onto the pitch from her seat in the ground and another during the national anthems.

Optimism from the stands soon turned to disappointment after Mariona Caldentey put Spain into the lead on the 25th minute. She rose to meet a cross from Ona Batlle, who was afforded too much space on their right flank.

Then Lauren James, who had a late fitness test before starting the final, had to be substituted off just before half-time, replaced by Chloe Kelly.

Kelly then created the equalising goal when her cross was met by Alessia Russo, sending the travelling Lionesses fans into raptures.