BBC make last-minute offer to UEFA to televise England’s under-21 European Championship final showdown with Spain… with talks ongoing ahead of the clash on Saturday
- England fans have had to follow the Under-21s through UEFA’s website thus far
- The U21s will make their first final appearance in 14 years on Saturday
- Lee Carsley’s men romped past Israel 3-0 in the semi-final to book final spot
The BBC have made a late offer to UEFA to televise England’s under 21 European Championship final against Spain on Saturday.
Mail Sport has learned that the BBC are proposing to screen England’s first appearance in an under 21 final for 14 years on their red button service and on their website in what would be a blockbuster Saturday of sport for the corporation, who also have live coverage of Wimbledon and highlights of the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
England’s impressive run to the final in Georgia, which kicks off at 5pm on Saturday, has not been televised in this country after UEFA failed to reach an agreement with UK broadcasters before the tournament.
Hardcore fans have been forced to follow the progress of Lee Carsley’s young side on UEFA’s streaming service, Uefa.tv, as they also refused to give the FA permission to show England’s games on their YouTube channel.
UEFA sources told Mail Sport that conversations are ongoing, although it is unclear at this stage whether the BBC’s offer will be acceptable.
Fans have had to find England U21s run to the final on UEFA’s website thus far
England are making their first appearance in an U21 final since their loss to Germany in 2009
The BBC have a history of buying rights at the last minute when England’s age-group sides have reached major finals, as they also showed the finals of the under 17 and under 20 World Cup six years ago.
The BBC declined to comment.
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