Could the ‘Curse of ITV’ strike our boys again?

FOR those who believe in fate, the omens for tonight’s England match hardly augur well.

They are calling it ‘the Curse of ITV’ – and no wonder.

When it comes to the World

Cup, the Three Lions have an appalling record when their matches are screened live on the commercial channel.

Since 1998, England have won just two of their 15 World

Cup matches on ITV – compared with an astounding 12 out of 16 on the BBC.

When England clinched their place in the knock-out stages after beating Wales 3-0, the

BBC’s Gary Lineker could hardly contain himself.

Of tonight’s last 16 clash with Senegal, he said: ‘And that’s on live on, well – uh – ITV. Oh well.’

Gareth Southgate’s side will have to overcome a win percentage of 13 per cent on ITV– against 75 per cent on the BBC – to progress to next Saturday’s match. And there is more bad news. England’s quarter-final, against France or Poland, would also be on ITV.