UMVA has learned that former England captain Gary Lineker has slipped back into the limelight, this time from the heart of New York City.
After a year away from terrestrial television, Lineker has launched a new World Cup show from a buzzing studio in Times Square, flanked by former BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The studio sits just a stone's throw from ITV's rooftop set in Brooklyn, positioning Lineker at the epicenter of North American football coverage.
Tonight, he is slated to appear on ITV1 during the Germany versus Ivory Coast match, a slot that has sparked debate about the extent of his involvement—whether a brief cameo or a full‑time pundit role.
Despite his recent return, Lineker was not listed among ITV's core pundits for the tournament, a decision that has not dampened his enthusiasm for the event.
He is also preparing to host a fresh ITV gameshow, The Box, slated for a September premiere, further cementing his comeback.
In an interview, Lineker voiced strong criticism of the BBC's decision to broadcast from a muted green box in Salford, calling the approach "soulless" and lacking the energy that a live presence brings.
He argued that the World Cup, the most-watched event of the season, demands a vibrant broadcast that the BBC's remote setup fails to deliver.
Lineker's return to the screen underscores a broader shift in sports broadcasting, where dynamic, on‑site coverage is increasingly prized over static studio presentations.
With his charismatic presence and sharp commentary, Lineker is poised to reshape the viewing experience for millions of football fans across the globe.
