Television Guide

What channel to watch? Who has hired the bluffers and who has the gems? Des O’Driscoll tunes television viewers into Euro 2012

RTÉ

In the studio: As well as RTÉ’s usual soccer presenters, grizzled veterans John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady will be rotated with the likes of Kenny Cunningham, Richie Sadlier and Didi Hamann.

Commentary positions:

Ray Houghton, Ronnie Whelan, Trevor Steven and new signing Brian Kerr are on co-commentator duties.

Plan of campaign:

The national broadcaster will show all 31 matches — 27 live, and four delayed. Ireland’s three group games kick off at the viewer-friendly time of 7.45pm.

VERDICT: In recent years, the four studio stalwarts have mirrored the team on the pitch — they get the job done, but can be dour and predictable.  Fringe players Sadlier and Cunningham should get a more central role this time around, hopefully becoming the first names on the team sheet in the near future. Former German international Hamann adds a welcome continental perspective and Kerr’s in-depth knowledge of the international game is a long overdue asset for RTÉ’s coverage.

Likely to hear: “Ireland are defending in numbers, but just need to hang on to the ball a bit better.”

Unlikely to hear: “Trapattoni has adopted an interesting new formation for this game.”

Star man: Kenny Cunningham

Kenny Cunningham’s relatively recent involvement in the sport as a player and his attainment of a UEFA Pro Licence coaching qualification since retirement have contributed to his emergence as the sharpest pundit on Irish TV.

An astute knowledge of modern tactics and a great eye for individual players’ strengths and weaknesses are also combined with an ongoing enthusiasm for a game that some of his media counterparts seem weary of. The only worry about Cunningham is that he is wasting his time on TV.

Perhaps he should try to get more coaching experience under his belt for the expiration of Mr Trapattoni’s contract in 2014.

BBC

In the studio: A huge squad includes Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer and Harry Redknapp. In addition, Niall Quinn, Clarence Seedorf and Jurgen Klinsmann will also be used for insight on their respective countries.

Commentary positions: Co-commentators include Mark Lawrenson, Martin Keown and Mick McCarthy.

Plan of campaign: Sixteen live games, including the choice of an England quarter-final if they make it, both semi-finals and the final. In the group phase, they’ll show Ireland’s game against Italy and England’s encounter with Sweden, as well as the fascinating clash of Netherlands v Germany.

VERDICT: A massive investment in the tournament has produced an impressive roster of panellists and the BBC will also probably out-punch the other two networks when it comes to non-game segments. Gabby Logan is embedded in the English camp, with Damian Johnson fulfilling a similar role with the Irish squad. The absence of advertising breaks is also a bonus. And please, some people should think about counselling sessions to try and get over their natural antipathy to Alan Shearer — he really is a good analyst.

Likely to hear: “It was always going to be difficult for Hodgson to put his stamp on the team in such a short time.”

Unlikely to hear: “Pity Joey Barton didn’t make the squad.”

Star man: Harry Redknapp

Given the turbulent year Harry Redknapp has had, it’s somewhat surprising he has opted for the BBC studio rather than a beach in the Caribbean. As the favourite for a job that Roy Hodgson eventually got, any words of criticism of the England team will be seized on by the press. Hopefully this won’t prevent the type of candid views that saw the straight-talking Cockney criticise Capello during a previous assignment.

ITV

In the studio: Adrian Chiles will be joined by the likes of Patrick Vieira, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Roberto Martinez, Gareth Southgate and Gordon Strachan.

Commentary positions: Jim Beglin, Andy Townsend and Craig Burley are assisting main man Clive Tyldesley.

Plan of campaign: Fourteen games, including England’s group games against France and Ukraine, and Ireland’s clashes with Croatia and Spain. ITV will show the final, but not any of the semi-finals.

VERDICT: A solid line-up of pundits and some tempting group games could make ITV an attractive proposition. The fact that expectations for England seem a bit more muted this time around won’t take from the entertainment of seeing panellists trying to stifle their anger if Hodgson’s side don’t perform. Having Keane and Vieira in the same studio is also a mouthwatering prospect. If ratings start to fall, the network could always resort to persuading the Frenchman to accuse Keane of faking injury.

Likely to hear: “Perhaps it was a mistake not to bring Rio Ferdinand after all.”

Unlikely to hear: “C’mere Patrick boy, any chance of a cuddle for your old pal Roy, like?”

STAR MAN: Roy Keane

Roy Keane hasn’t exactly set the world of punditry alight since he decided the profession was worthy of his presence, but we are guaranteed forthright views. The man who spoke up for John Terry during the Champions League final is just as likely to eviscerate one of England’s favourite sons. Keane’s presence will also ensure that RTÉ has some very real competition from the British broadcaster, even during the Irish games.