Fair share over Euro TV rights

The BBC and ITV today agreed the division of televised matches for Euro 2004.

Both sides will be happy with an agreement that will see ITV show England's eagerlyawaited opening clash against holders France with the BBC screening their quarter-final if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side progress from Group A.

The television companies came to a cordial agreement following the controversy that marred coverage of England games during the 2002 World Cup.

The BBC claimed a huge victory before that tournament after gaining the rights to show England's group game against Argentina, memorably won for England by a David Beckham penalty, but both sides are happy with this settlement.

ITV will show England's first two group games against France on 13 June and Switzerland on 17 June, with the BBC screening the potentially decisive final group game against Croatia on 21 June and any England quarterfinal. The semi-finals will be shared between the two companies and England's will be shown on both channels should they reach that stage.

Brian Barwick, controller of ITV Sport said: "We are delighted ITV viewers will be able to see England's first two matches of the Euro 2004 campaign and in particular the eagerly awaited opening clash against the holders France."

Niall Sloane, BBC head of football, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to invest our faith in England qualifying from the group stage. We look forward to following England through the tournament."

Elsewhere, the BBC will open the tournament with coverage of the opening ceremony in Porto on June 12 and the host's Group A game against Greece as well as the Russia v Spain clash the same day.