sport news World Cup TV review: Roy Keane and Graeme Souness arguing was gold trends now
Step aside, Phil Foden. Some things matter more than the balance of England's attack or the best use of this country's most technically gifted players.
For now, there are bigger debates to settle: Who can stop Kylian Mbappe? What, in the absence of any brain, allows Gianni Infantino to keep talking? Who is winning our biennial battle of the box?
BBC vs ITV. Sam Matterface vs Guy Mowbray. Roy Keane vs Graeme Souness. Oh, wait, sorry… they're on the same side.
As the group stages approach their climax, Sportsmail runs the rule over the two channels…
Roy Keane and Graeme Souness having a half-time ding-dong over whether Argentina deserved a penalty against Saudi Arabia has been a World Cup punditry highlight
Argentina were given a spot kick after Leandro Paredes (bottom left) appeared to be dragged down in the box by Mohamed Kanno - leading to the half-time debate
ON THE MIC
Wall-to-wall football means one thing: airtime for fresh new commentators and familiar voices who have been the soundtrack of a generation.
How great it is to hear more of Clive Tyldesley and Jon Champion on ITV. All we are missing? Andy Townsend.
They do at least have Ally McCoist, whose insight and gusto could light up even the most attritional game of backgammon.
On the Beeb, Guy Mowbray remains a master.
Ally McCoist and Jon Champion (right) have put their partnership back together in Qatar
We also need to talk about John Hartson.
Social media suggests the Welshman divides opinion. But for me (Clive), he is cut from a similar cloth to McCoist, if not quite as polished. Both have an endearing enthusiasm and charm to their co-commentary.
John Hartson's enthusiasm has occasionally led him to invent new words and phrases
There is appeal even in their foibles and missteps. Six years on from Euro 2016, when Hartson described Wales as 'running amok… an absolute mok!' he produced another gem.
During Wales' draw with the USA, Hartson began discussing Brennan Johnson's introduction from the bench. 'Fresh legs!' he exclaimed. 'Use that energy, that young youthness he's got about him.'
Ignore Susie Dent. We all knew what he meant. And it's preferable, surely, to the performative grumbling of some commentators?
Without Mark
