Pundit wars: who the networks pay to pull in the Euro 2004 viewers

LED by Eamon Dunphy, the grizzled, growling veteran, who peppers his patter with a little philosophy and humour, the RTÉ Euro 2004 maybe could do with a little more lightening up.

Certainly, Liam Brady, for all his astuteness though Celtic fans may disagree has a deadly serious, detached delivery that compares badly to his animated and exciting personality on the pitch.

Denis Irwin, who only retired from the game, brings a down to earth and up to date knowledge of the professional game to the panel. And it's delivered in that delightful Cork lilt.

Clear, concise and straight-backed, Trevor Steven looks as though he enjoys his trips over to Dublin from his home in Glasgow. He was positively purring after the Dutch-Czech game, one that Dunphy will be kicking himself for missing.

Certainly, presenter Bill O'Herlihy looks permanently pleased with himself,

Verdict: 6/10

ITV pundits

WITH Des Lynam captaining the side, ITV is always going to get a decent result. It's very much the old guard propping up the team here with the evergreen 'Uncle' Bobby Robson joined by the likes of Ally McCoist, Glen Hoddle and our very own Andy Townsend.

While Des is no stranger to bizarre asides, Uncle Bobby is king.

The only thing is the man on the ground, Clive Tydesley, is likely to let the side down: "The England fans will be talking about their 1-0 win over France for many years to come..."

Ouch.

Verdict: 5/10

BBC pundits

WITH Alan Hansen at the back, Peter Schmeichel as the last line in defence and goal-poacher supreme Gary Lineker up front, this team is hard to beat. And with former Arsenal striker Ian Wright as the joker in the pack, they don't take themselves too seriously either.

"He's the only one old enough to remember Alan's playing days," said Lineker of 65-year-old Czech coach Karel Bruckner during the analysis of the Czech Republic-Holland clash. Boom, boom.

Still, there's never any rash challenges a la Mr Dunphy on RTE's coverage.

The big test is the Croatia/England match tonight. A nation holds its breath, as George Hamilton might say.

Verdict: 7/10.