THE 2014 WORLD CUP ON ITV

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1 THE 2014 WORLD CUP ON ITV BRACE YOURSELF - IT S GOING TO BE EMOTIONAL ITV has named its World Cup squad for Brazil and plans for covering the tournament, with a stellar on- screen line up packed with football s big names ready for kick- off on June 12. Joining presenter Adrian Chiles on the plane to Brazil to lend their experience and expertise to ITV s tournament coverage will be regular pundit Lee Dixon as well as Sunderland manager and former Uruguay international Gus Poyet, Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, former England international Ian Wright, World Cup winners Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro, former England manager Glenn Hoddle, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O Neill and Andros Townsend, star of England s World Cup qualifying run, whose bid to play at the tournament was sadly ended through injury. ITV is looking forward to bringing viewers a carnival of football with all the action, drama, colour and atmosphere from across Brazil. Reporter Gabriel Clarke, presenter Matt Smith, commentators Clive Tyldesley and Sam Matterface as well as co- commentators Andy Townsend and Clarke Carlisle will also be on the ground and in the stadia in Brazil throughout the tournament. ITV will have a studio base in Rio de Janeiro to bring home to viewers the impact of the tournament from one of Brazil's iconic cities, but the team will criss cross the vast expanse of the country to deliver build- up, live coverage and analysis of some games from in and around the stadia in the various tournament locations to give viewers a taste of the rich diversity of the country. Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: "Excitement is building as we draw closer to what promises to be a special World Cup, taking place in this most iconic of football countries, defined by its passion for the game. Our pundit team bring a rich variety of perspectives on football to our coverage and they can t wait for kick- off on June 12 and to bring you the best of the action and the atmosphere throughout the tournament. The tournament begins on ITV with coverage of the opening ceremony at the newly- built Arena de Sao Paulo before the action kicks off with favourites Brazil taking on Croatia in the first match. A number of mouth- watering fixtures from the opening stages will be featured on ITV, with the hosts appearing again in their final group game against Cameroon, as well as two of England s group games [against Uruguay and Costa Rica], the much- fancied Germany side taking on Cristiano Ronaldo s Portugal, a chance to see

2 Ronaldo s rival for the mantle of world s best player, Lionel Messi, as Argentina take on Iran and Nigeria, and two of many experts dark horses, Belgium s matches. Twenty matches from the group stages will be shown live on ITV and ITV4 and 34 games in total will be broadcast live during Brazil But viewers will be able to watch and engage with our World Cup coverage at any time on ITV Player with all our live matches streamed on the ITV player on itv.com and available on demand. Our responsively designed World Cup site itv.com/worldcup will bring Brazil to life particularly for mobile and tablet users. This content will include highlights packages of all 64 matches, in- match video clips, all the latest news, extra analysis from our must- watch pundits, and live statistics. In addition, Alan Davies will host an ITV World Cup podcast throughout the tournament, available for free on itunes and ITV.com. Alan s podcast co- presenters will be Dom and Tom from award- winning Bradford City podcast Bantams Banter. And, itv.com's World Cup coverage is fully geared up to help fans engage with Brazil 2014 on social media. Fans will be able to share our content with one simple click, rate the best goals and upload their own celebrations.

3 ITV brings Fever Pitch to Manchester Tuesday May 13, 2014 ITV have today announced plans for a World Cup Fan Park in Manchester, to celebrate the tournament, and give fans and families the opportunity to immerse themselves in the emotional roller coaster of the biggest football event in the world. Games will be screened live every match day throughout the 2014 World Cup at the event, called ITV Fever Pitch, which will be situated at the Old Granada Studios site in Manchester. Fans can apply for free tickets from Saturday May 17 at itv.com/feverpitch. 450 tonnes of sand will be brought in to create a Brazilian- style beach soccer stadium at the heart of the fan park, with the games broadcast live on the arena s giant 40 square metre screen. During the group stages, the arena will also host beach soccer matches before the live action from Brazil, organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide, with fans being able to watch England s beach soccer team take on some of the best players in the world from Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Germany. ITV will be using the World Cup to inspire youngsters to get active and take part in sport by running a morning community programme at the fan park, before it opens to the public, in partnership with Join In. Schools and sports clubs from the North West will be given the opportunity to come down and have a go at beach football, with coaching provided by professional players. This programme will be part of a wider partnership between ITV and Join In, to raise awareness and encourage more volunteers into local sport. In addition to the beach soccer stadium, there will be areas around the site where fans and families can soak up the spirit of Brazil and excitement of the World Cup. The Little Copacabana beach area of the park will offer them the chance to enjoy the atmosphere and relax before the big game. The High Tempo zone will offer visitors a chance to work up a sweat and demonstrate their own football skills, and there will also be a range of Brazilian themed food and drink on offer. Notes to editors ITV Fever Pitch will screen live games from the World Cup with games kicking- off at 5pm, 8pm or 9pm. Fans can apply for free tickets from Saturday May 17 at itv.com/feverpitch.

4 BIOGRAPHIES ADRIAN CHILES Adrian Chiles is one of television s most versatile and sought after presenters. He fronts ITV s football coverage (including the UEFA Champions League, World Cup, European Championships, and all England international qualifiers and friendlies). He also launched and presented Daybreak for ITV, as well as The One Show, Match of the Day 2, The Apprentice: You re Fired, and Working Lunch for the BBC. MATT SMITH Matt Smith is a renowned sports presenter and broadcaster who along with Adrian Chiles will present ITV s coverage at the World Cup. He is ITV s Europa League presenter and has worked for the channel in a variety of roles since Matt has also presented darts, snooker and boxing among other sports and has worked for both the BBC and Al Jazeera. LEE DIXON Lee Dixon is one of the most- respected football pundits on British television. Since moving to ITV in 2012, the former England right- back has provided comment and analysis on matches across ITV s football portfolio - from national team qualifiers to the Champions League. Prior to working for ITV, Lee worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as enjoying a glittering career for Arsenal, in which he won the double twice, and collected four league champion's medals, three FA Cup winner's medals and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup medal along with 22 England caps. He also works on NBC s Premier League coverage in the United States.

5 PATRICK VIEIRA Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira won the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000 with France during a glittering football career. The midfielder played for the Gunners between 1996 and 2005, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups prior to spells at Juventus and Inter Milan, where he won four Italian league titles. He won 107 caps for France before retiring from the game in July 2011 after a spell at Manchester City. Now head of the elite development squad at Manchester City, Patrick previously appeared as a pundit for ITV at Euro 2012 and at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. FABIO CANNAVARO Italian World Cup- winning captain Fabio Cannavaro is considered to be one of the best defenders of all time. In a glittering career which lasted almost 20 years, Fabio played for Napoli, Parma, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid. As well as steering the Azzurri to glory in Germany in 2006, Fabio won 136 caps for his country, making him Italy s most- capped player. IAN WRIGHT One of the most recognisable figures in the English game, Ian Wright is an Arsenal legend and a broadcaster of distinction. After starting his career with Crystal Palace, Ian joined Arsenal and scored 185 goals in 279 starts, winning the Premier League title, both major domestic trophies and the European Cup Winners Cup in He also earned 33 caps for England. Since retiring from the game in 2000, Ian has worked on television for ITV, the BBC and Channel 5 in a variety of sport and entertainment roles, as well as hosting radio programmes for Absolute and BBC Radio Five Live. GLENN HODDLE Former England player and manager Glenn Hoddle was one of the most gifted players of his generation. Having won 44 caps for his country and with a reputation as a Spurs legend, Hoddle took England to the second round of the World Cup in 1998, where the team lost to Argentina on penalties.

6 He has also been manager of Swindon Town, Chelsea, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now he works for ITV on England internationals as well as appearing on Sky Sports as a regular expert analyst for club football across its channels. GUS POYET Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is a former Uruguay international and player for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Prior to piloting Sunderland s escape from relegation this season, Gus managed Brighton and Hove Albion and was assistant manager at Swindon Town, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. He won 23 caps for his country, and won the Copa America with Uruguay in GORDON STRACHAN Scotland manager and former player Gordon Strachan is one of the best- known faces in the domestic game. During a playing career spanning 25 years, the midfielder won multiple domestic league and cup honours as well as the European Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup at Aberdeen, the 1985 FA Cup at Manchester United, and captained Leeds United to the First Division title in 1991/92. He earned 50 caps for Scotland, playing at two World Cups in Spain 1982 and Mexico in After five years as manager of Coventry City, he joined Southampton, guiding them to the 2003 FA Cup Final, later moving to Celtic, whom he guided to three successive league titles. After a spell at Middlesbrough, Gordon was appointed Scotland manager in January ANDROS TOWNSEND England winger Andros Townsend exploded on to the international stage with a goal on his debut against Montenegro and helped the team overcome Poland to secure qualification. Despite a promising season with Tottenham Hotspur, Andros was ruled out of Roy Hodgson s squad with an ankle injury he suffered against Stoke City in April but makes it into ITV s team in Brazil to provide insight and analysis as a pundit. MARTIN O NEILL

7 Ireland boss Martin O Neill is a highly respected manager with a wealth of experience at the top of the game. Having won the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest as a player, Martin took Wycombe Wanderers up into the Football League before winning the League Cup twice with Leicester City, moving on to win three League titles at Celtic. Since then, he has managed at Aston Villa and at Sunderland in the Premier League before taking over the Irish job in November He also won 64 caps for Northern Ireland. CLIVE TYLDESLEY Clive Tyldesley is the voice of live football on ITV. Embarking upon his fourth World Cup for the channel, Clive has been the main football commentator for ITV since 1998, taking in numerous Champions League finals, FA Cup finals and European Championships. SAM MATTERFACE Sam Matterface is a commentator for ITV Sport who has worked for the channel on Europa League and FA Cup matches. He also works for TalkSport and has previously worked as a presenter on Sky Sports News. ANDY TOWNSEND Renowned ITV pundit and co- commentator Andy Townsend has established himself as a highly regarded broadcaster since retiring from football in During his playing career, Andy won 70 international caps for Ireland, played at Italia '90 and captained the squad at the 1994 World Cup in America. He played for Southampton, Norwich City, Chelsea and Aston Villa, where he won the League Cup twice, before moving to Middlesbrough and finally West Bromwich Albion. CLARKE CARLISLE Clarke Carlisle is a widely- respected former Premier League player for Burnley also known for his former role as chairman of the Professional Footballers Association.

8 In a 16- year professional career, Clarke, played for Blackpool, QPR, Leeds United, Watford, Luton Town, Burnley, Preston North End, York City and Northampton Town. As a co- commentator for ITV, he has worked on Europa League and FA Cup matches, having also worked for the BBC and Sky Sports. GABRIEL CLARKE ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke is an award- winning TV journalist and documentary producer. Since joining ITV in 1991, Gabriel has featured as roving reporter with the England team at numerous tournaments, and has played a key part in the channel s coverage of World Cups, European Championships, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. Gabriel has also worked as a producer and as a director on a diverse range of documentaries, from ITV4 s Sports Life Stories series to the critically- acclaimed boxing film The Fight of Their Lives. PRESS PACK QUESTIONS ADRIAN CHILES

9 What are you most looking forward to about the World Cup in Brazil? It's almost a ludicrous question - like asking what are you most looking forward to about collecting your lottery winnings? Or what are you most looking forward to about drinking this 1,000 bottle of wine? A World Cup. In Brazil. What's not to die for? The greatest tournament in the world staged in the greatest footballing nation in the world. What an absolute privilege to be there. Who do you think will win the World Cup and why? I have a hunch that an outsider might win it this time. And by that I mean someone ranked alongside England or lower. My colleagues at ITV keep telling me I'm talking nonsense, that the best teams win the World Cup. And that's generally true. But I just wonder if someone could do what Denmark and, more recently, Greece did in the Euros. I know there's an extra knockout round to get through but this does seem to be the era of slightly inferior teams finding ways to win without having much of the ball. And look at the Champions League - not always by any means does Europe's best team win it and you've got to get through 13 games, not just seven to win that competition. Which do you think will be the teams and players to look out for during the tournament? If Aguero and Messi click then Argentina could well win. Neither of those players, for different reasons, by their standards, have had vintage seasons so perhaps they'll make everyone else pay dearly for that now. Other than that I think either Germany or Brazil will win. What do you think the toughest challenge facing England will be this time around? Getting out of the group will be hard. But a draw against Italy in the first game and we'll be on our way. Do you think England can win it and why/why not? If the 32 teams played each other in a big league I reckon England would finish around eighth. But in a knockout competition I do believe they've got a chance. Clearly, we haven't covered ourselves in glory for the last few tournaments but neither have we had a scrap of luck. Sooner or later things are going to start going right for us. Get out of the group, and the next game is, on paper, not unwinnable. And then we're in the quarter final and anything, over three games, is possible. Which players will be key for England? I don't think many teams do well without a decent spine. And in Hart/Foster, Cahill, Gerrard and Rooney we have a good looking spine. Add to that some of the young bucks, and who knows. And in Roy we trust.

10 LEE DIXON What are you most looking forward to about the World Cup in Brazil? Well it s Brazil! Never been so can t wait to see the great footballing nation host the biggest tournament on earth. They will put on a show I m sure. Who do you think will win the World Cup and why? I think Argentina will have a great tournament. So it will be close with Brazil. Big pressure on the host. Can they handle that? I think Chile will surprise a few. Which do you think will be the teams and players to look out for during the tournament? Lallana for England. Loved watching him this season. Messi is due a good World Cup. Argentina in Brazil could spoil the party. Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria - they have the firepower and are pretty strong defensively too. What do you think the toughest challenge facing England will be this time around? Getting out of the group will be hard. It s going to be really close. I see the 3 top teams in the group separated by the odd goal. A good start against Italy is a must. That means a win if possible, but a defeat could spell disaster. Costa Rica could spoil a couple of parties in the group. Do you think England can win it and why/why not? No I don t think England can win it. I m sure with the youth they have in the squad they will be competitive. However the conditions and history suggest it will be very hard. I don t see that changing. Which players will be key for England? I am looking forward to seeing Lallana, Barkley and Sterling on the big stage. Exciting for them if they are selected. (They will be) Don t be surprised if there is a mix of senior experience too who will be vital in a long tournament. I think Roy will rely on them on and off the pitch. PATRICK VIEIRA What are you most looking forward to about the World Cup in Brazil? The World Cup is in the home of football, the country has so much World Cup football history. In the tournament all the best players are playing so we should see some amazing games. The Brazilians have a real love of the game, they will create an amazing atmosphere, a real carnival of football!

11 Who do you think will win the World Cup and why? Brazil, they have home advantage, they have all the country behind them, so many fans in the stadium, but a lot of pressure from the public. Also Chile can be a shock or Uruguay, the Germans will be good to watch. Which do you think will be the teams and players to look out for during the tournament? I am looking forward to seeing Neymar, a lot is expected of him but has the talent to deliver. Messi will deliver on the biggest stage now I think, Kroos should be good to watch, and Rooney has recovered from his injury and should be well rested. Ronaldo is always good to watch. What do you think the toughest challenge facing England will be this time around? It s a tough group, the first two games are very difficult, especially Italy in the amazon, the climate changes will be tough. Do you think England can win it and why/why not? No, it will very difficult for them after a long physical season. The fact there is no winter break does not help, but they can surprise people as Rooney is fresh, Gerrard had no Champions League and it will be good to see some of the young players. Which players will be key for England? Rooney. He can make a real difference and can be a top performer. GORDON STRACHAN What are you most looking forward to about the World Cup in Brazil? The atmosphere and the chance to wear my Speedos on the Copacabana beach. I will everyone a warning about which day I will be unveiling them. Who do you think will win the World Cup and why? Brazil or Argentina, with Belgium as outsiders. Which do you think will be the teams and players to look out for during the tournament? Players to look out for apart from Ronaldo, Messi and Iniesta should be Modric and Rakatic from Croatia, Bacca from Columbia, and Eden Hazard from Belgium. What do you think the toughest challenge facing England will be this time around?

12 Yes they can win it, but it s unlikely. I think playing conditions will be a problem - from the humidity to the playing surfaces. Do you think England can win it and why/why not? England have not had the perfect conditions since Which players will be key for England? I would like to see the England players who can beat players - for example, Barkley, Sturridge, and Lallana. ANDY TOWNSEND What are you most looking forward to about the World Cup in Brazil? I am really looking forward to seeing arguably the best all round collection of strikers in a tournament for many years. Cavani, Suarez, Rooney, RVP, Drogba, Ronaldo, Neymar, Dzeko, Remy, Balotelli, Messi, Aguero. The list goes on and on and I feel that the spirit and passion of South American football will inspire these great players to attack and go for it. Who do you think will win the World Cup and why? Argentina - I look at the group they are in and then look at the quality. Never mind the obvious in the attacking positions but at the back they have Zabaleta and Garay - two of the best in their positions in the world. They must go close. Which do you think will be the teams and players to look out for during the tournament? Belgium. What an amazing group of players. The question is whether Marc Wilmots can get that all important balance. If they get some early momentum they are a team to avoid. What do you think the toughest challenge facing England will be this time around? Energy. Some of Englands younger players are experiencing their 'breakthrough' seasons - Sterling, Sturridge, Lallana, Henderson. It gets tough on the legs in the middle of June after the seasons they ve had. Do you think England can win it and why/why not? No, I don t see England getting close this time. Tough group - it will be a job well done to qualify. I hope they play on the edge a bit, go for it, like they did in the last few qualifiers. They are dangerous like that but I don t feel they will be strong enough defensively to really worry the best. Which players will be key for England?

13 Hart, Cahill, Sterling, Rooney.

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