Tag: Sport

Scottish Hockey’s Club Pledge to support Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation

Scottish Hockey has entered into a ground-breaking partnership with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise awareness and funds through the Club Pledge initiative.

It comes off the back of a year of exceptional fundraising and community work delivered by hockey clubs across Scotland through Club Pledge.

Club Pledge was launched at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic where hockey clubs were invited to “make the pledge” to promote togetherness and community while raising money for good causes.

Over 75% of hockey clubs in Scotland made the pledge and delivered tremendous activities that ranged from Zoom quizzes and virtual 10ks, to food drops and mystery trail adventures.

Now Scottish Hockey has partnered with two of the world’s leading charities to take Club Pledge to the next phase, and join the fight against cancer and heart diseases. Clubs can choose to support our charity partners in a range of different ways, and also take up learning opportunities on offer.

Both CRUK and the BHF will deliver learning workshops to Scottish Hockey clubs and members to teach more about fundraising; promote healthy living; offer mind-set and wellbeing sessions; CPR training and the opportunity to learn to train others.

The first of these sessions will take place on:

  • Tuesday 24 August – Let’s take cancer! An introduction to Cancer Research UK and a fundraising masterclass.
  • Wednesday 25 August – Meet the BHF and learn how you can be a lifesaver.

Monthly events and activities will offer clubs and members the chance to fundraise for the charities and promote togetherness and community within clubs. Clubs will be able to participate in campaigns and access materials to maximise their fundraising such as t-shirts; bracelets; banners and balloons etc.

Scottish Hockey staff and board members will also lead from the front by taking part in monthly fundraising activities for both charities, while raising awareness.

As with previous years, anyone buying cup final tickets can choose to donate part of the ticket value to the chosen charity of their choice.

Scottish Hockey Chair Martin Shepherdson, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with two of the most important charities in the country and support the great work they do to raise awareness and research cures and treatments.

“Club Pledge was a phenomenal success and it’s testament to the clubs and members across Scotland who delivered such exceptional activities, that the initiative is seen as something that can really be a trailblazer in how sports can support good causes.

“We’ll work with clubs alongside the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK to take Club Pledge to the next level, and really make a difference to people’s lives and health through hockey.”

The BHF is the biggest independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland and the UK. This year marks the BHF’s 60th birthday and over the past six decades, the charity has been instrumental in numerous life-saving discoveries.

Its research has contributed to the first UK heart transplant, the development of pacemakers, the use of clot busting drugs to treat heart attacks, and the rollout of genetic testing for inherited heart conditions.

James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Scottish Hockey and its member clubs across the country. Since the BHF was established, our research and campaigning have contributed to the annual number of people dying from heart and circulatory diseases in this country falling by half.

“This is something we can be extremely proud of. But we want to do more. Despite progress, heart and circulatory diseases cause around 3 in ten deaths in Scotland. The support of organisations like Scottish Hockey and the public will help us continue to fund vital research to help save and improve lives.”  

Cancer Research UK is the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, is has only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of incredible volunteers and supporters without whom it would not be able to fund vital research.

This year 32,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and sadly, only half of them will survive the disease for ten years or more. Researchers, physicians and nurses are working tirelessly to prevent, control and cure all 200 types of cancer and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Heather Duff from Cancer Research UK, said: “We are delighted to work with Scottish Hockey to tackle cancer. Cancer Research UK is dedicated to find new and improved ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

“All funds raised by Scottish Hockey, and its clubs and members, will go towards life-saving research in Scotland. With the support of Scottish Hockey we are one step closer to giving cancer the red card. We look forward to working with hockey clubs across Scotland and wish them the best of luck with their fundraising.”

Peter Vardy Group is Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby welcomes Peter Vardy Group into the club’s Partner Family, as Scotland’s leading motor dealership become the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

The four-year deal will see the Peter Vardy BMW logo feature on the upper sleeves of both the team’s home and change Macron match jerseys as the capital side compete in the newly formed United Rugby Championship and European Cup. 

Edinburgh-based Peter Vardy BMW will also provide the capital side with pool vehicles utilised by club staff and players, including the Edinburgh Rugby Community Team. 

The announcement comes on the threshold of a new era of professional rugby in the Scottish capital, with the upcoming launch of the United Rugby Championship and the long-awaited opening of the club’s new 7,800 capacity stadium – Edinburgh Rugby’s first-ever permanent home. 

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “We’re delighted to announce Peter Vardy Group as the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

“It is an extremely exciting time for the club – with the completion of our new purpose-built home and the launch of the United Rugby Championship – so to have Peter Vardy Group join us on this journey is a great vote of confidence that we are moving in a bold and positive direction. 

“Having already joined Scottish Rugby’s Sponsor Family earlier this year, it has been brilliant to see, first-hand, the Group’s enthusiasm for rugby in Scotland.” 

Peter Vardy, Chief Executive, said: “Following our support of Scottish Rugby earlier this year, it seemed a natural development for us to back the game at a local level. 

“We have been hugely impressed by the commitment of Edinburgh Rugby to nourishing community involvement and the active participation of young people throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

“We recognise that this is a landmark year for the club and we are delighted to play our part in helping make it as successful as possible.” 

Scotland men’s hockey squad faces Ireland in three-match series

The Scotland men’s squad has been announced for a three-match series against Ireland at Titwood this week.

The uncapped series began last night with an entertaining 1-1 draw and the nations will meet again over the weekend (Saturday 24 July at 4pm, and Sunday 25 July at 11:30am).

Due to Covid restrictions the maximum capacity is 50 spectators; Clydesdale Hockey Club is managing a ‘first come first served’ entry process for the matches, with doors open from one hour ahead of push back.

These matches come as the Scots build towards European competition. Scotland men are due to play at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II on 15-21 August in Gniezno, Poland, where they will face Austria, Switzerland and Ukraine in Pool B. Ireland, Italy, Croatia and Poland will also feature at the tournament.

The Blue Sticks will be battling for promotion back to the top tier of European hockey at the tournament in August. The Scots won EuroHockey Championship II back in 2017 in front of a full house in Glasgow, before goal difference saw them relegated from the EuroHockey Championships in 2019.

Match 1

Tommy Alexander (Uhlenhorst)

David Forrester (Grange)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Gordon Amour (Cambridge City)

Duncan Riddell (Grange)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Callum Mackenzie (Wimbledon)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Hamish Imrie (Royal Antwerp)

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)

Jamie Golden (Surbiton)

Struan Walker (Club an der Alster)

Match 2

David Forrester (Grange)

Rory McCallum (Teddington)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Aidan McQuade (Qui Vive)

Gordon Amour (Cambridge City)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Hamish Galt (Western Wildcats)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Gavin Byers (Grobflottbeker)

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)

Ed Greaves (Teddington)

Struan Walker (Club an der Alster)

Match 3

Tommy Alexander (Uhlenhorst)

Sam Lloyd (East Grinstead)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Aidan McQuade (Qui Vive)

Duncan Riddell (Grange)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Callum Mackenzie (Wimbledon)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Hamish Imrie (Royal Antwerp) 

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Ed Greaves (Teddington)

Jamie Golden (Surbiton)

Gavin Byers (Grobflottbeker)

Lord Provost wishes Edinburgh’s Olympians good luck

The Lord Provost has wished all those born or based in the Capital the very best for the Tokyo Olympic games which open today (Friday 23 July).

Team Edinburgh includes rowers Katherine Douglas, Harry Leask, Polly Swan, Karen Bennett and Lucy Hope as well as Bradley Forbes-Cryans going for gold in the canoe slalom. In the pool will be divers Grace Reid and James Heatly, as well as swimmers Lucy Hope and Cassie Wild. 

Ross McCann will compete in the GB Rugby Sevens team, while Sarah Addlington will battle for Team GB in judo. On the track, Joshua Kerr will compete in the 1500m and shooting star Seonaid McIntosh will be gunning for a gold medal this weekend.

Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “As Lord Provost and on behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I would like to congratulate all the athletes on their selection to represent Team GB at the forthcoming Olympic Games. They are fantastic ambassadors for the City.

“In taking part in the Games they are representing extraordinary dedication and determination in their sports and are an inspiration for sporting fans throughout the Capital. Edinburgh has impressive representation with athletes born, based or training and studying in the Capital and I’m sure residents will join me in cheering them on as they go for gold. I wish you all the very best for Tokyo 2020.”

Professional UK American Football League Sets Out to Grow the British Game

SPORTS league start-up UKFL is uniting fans, players and coaches to launch an elite American Football league in the UK – one of the few countries in Europe without a professional league.

Based out of headquarters in the North East of England, UKFL was created by a senior team made up of UK American Football coaches, players and fans.

UKFL’s first season is set to launch in May 2023, with 8 fully professional teams based in cities across the UK and the goal of delivering an authentic American gameday experience to UK fans, from exciting gameplay featuring home-grown and import players to traditional American food and drink and authentic gameday entertainment like cheerleading and tailgating.

After a soft launch in February, the UKFL has generated high levels of interest amongst UK American Football fans, with thousands signing up for social media and newsletter updates.

Now, UKFL’s senior team is in discussion with investors and corporate sponsors to secure funding for the project and is also calling on fans to offer their support via a crowdfunding campaign set to launch in September.

UKFL CEO Mick Tyler explains that fan experience is core to the league’s vision. “Right from the start we’ve committed to building the UKFL with fans at its heart. We’re committed to building something that gives our fan base real ownership and control.”

The popularity of American Football has grown rapidly in the UK in recent years, with over 4 million UK fans tuning in to the 2020 Super Bowl. In spite of this, the UK remains one of the only European countries without a professional league.

UKFL’s Director of Football Operations Jonathan Rooney believes that the lack of an elite professional option in the UK is severely limiting the sport’s potential in the UK:

“For UK players, the only opportunity to play and train at a professional level is in Europe. This forces our best players to look for opportunities abroad because there are none at home. Many do achieve success in Europe, but others choose to leave the game entirely.

“The lack of a professional league also limits the quality of the game at a lower level. We want to create something for young players to aspire to, and to work with schools, colleges and universities to develop a new generation of athletes, some of whom could even go on to play in the NFL.”

American Football in the UK: Key facts and figures

  • NFL has over 13 million fans in the UK, and is watched by more than 20 million unique television viewers per season.
  • Since 2007, the UK has hosted sold-out NFL International Series games at Wembley, Twickenham and more recently at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
  • Most major European countries have established professional leagues. Games in Germany’s GFL and Austria’s AFL leagues regularly draw crowds of over 10,000 fans.
  • The UK is one of the few European countries without a professional American Football league, leaving UK players with no option but to relocate if they wish to play professionally.
  • There are currently two major non-professional American Football leagues in the UK: the British Universities American Football League, made up of university teams, and the BAFA National League, which does not permit players to receive a wage.

To find out more about the UKFL, head to teamukfl.com

Euro 2020 VAR decisions 14.39% less controversial than English Premier League, research reveals

VAR and refereeing were unlikely highlights of this summer’s European Championships, with new research revealing the technology’s use to be 14.39% less controversial than the English Premier League.

Research onVAR at the Euros from bookmaker William Hill has combined reactionary metrics such as Tweet volume, text sentiment analysis, articles generated and associated levels of engagement, culminating in a bespoke, first-of-its-kind controversy rating being assigned to each of the 18 overturns.

And this summer’s pan-European football tournament, which comprised 24 teams, 51 matches and 11 host cities, returned an average controversy rating of 4.40, going some way toward resurrecting its ailing reputation at what many believed was a seminal moment for the technology.

In all, there were just 18 overturns by the 22-strong VAR team based in Nyon, who shaved 17.84% off a pre-tournament average of a change every 3.25 matches, since February 2019.

Five of those 18 overturns led to goals, six led to the awarding of penalties (four of those missed), three goals were allowed after offside and six disallowed, there was one disallowed for handball, and two red cards brandished, as a result of the technology’s unobtrusive patrol.

In all there were 276 incidents checked in 51 matches (5.4 a match) with 93.5% of on-field calls correct. Of 30 tight offside calls, nine required review, but the VAR team ensured a 100% accuracy on these.

“I believe that Europe has the best VARs in the world,” said chairman of UEFA’s Referees Committee, Roberto Rosetti. “We feel that VAR is an incredible tool for football, because it helps prevent clear and obvious refereeing mistakes.

“The 18 VAR corrections at the EURO were all 100% right, which shows the quality of the work that the VAR teams did. We can accept referees’ mistakes on the field – these can happen – but it’s very difficult to accept mistakes by VARs in front of a video screen.

“Consequently, we were pleased that the EURO VARs’ decisions were so reliable.”

Mario Gavranovic’s ruled-out winner (6.63) in a 1-1 group-stage draw with Wales claimed the unenviable accolade of ‘most controversial VAR call of the tournament’, the Swiss forward adjudged to have been inches offside (correctly). That was one of 21 tight offside calls in the first 36 games of the tournament, and one of six warranting review.

Karim Benzema’s strike (6.0) for France in their 1-0 group-stage win over Germany too, was one of those clinically accurate offside calls by the VAR team. On this occasion Kylian Mbappe strayed just offside as part of a free-flowing counter. 

Elsewhere, Matthijs de Ligt’s card upgrade to red, for deliberate handball, in the Netherlands’ last 16 clash with Czech Republic was rated at 5.92.

But with all three proven to be technically correct, we have seen fewer controversies, less outrage, no game-defining errors and most importantly no lengthy VAR interruptions over the past four weeks.

Europa League Final VAR Françoi Letexier (6.63) was the most controversial VAR official, 10.5% more controversial than Juan Martínez Munuera, Amsterdam ArenA (5.305) pipped Football Arena Munich and Olimpico in Rome to be the most controversial stadium, and the final five minutes of the 90 were comfortably most controversial too.

Napier Knights: Edinburgh American Football project tackles deprivation head-on

An Edinburgh-based American football project which is using sport to drive young people from the most deprived areas of the city into further education, is taking part in a national campaign, supported by Dame Katherine Grainger, highlighting how universities are helping local communities recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Edinburgh Napier Knights Youth team was set up by Edinburgh Napier University in 2017, with the goal of working with school-age children in Sighthill and Broomhouse – areas  with low levels of educational attainment – to promote health and wellbeing and provide a pathway for players to transition into higher education.

The youth teams are coached exclusively by students and graduates from Edinburgh Napier University who have undertaken coaching awards. By working across age groups, student coaches are able to educate their participants about the benefits of physical activity and the opportunities that are available to them through education.

The project, which has gone from strength to strength and seen seven members of the locally recruited youth team progress to university recently, is one of a number being featured in this week’s Made at Uni Energising Places campaign led by Universities UK and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and supported by Dame Katherine.

Pete Laird (above), Head Coach of the Napier Knights and the university’s programme leader for Sport, Exercise and Health Science explained how the project had helped inspire local youngsters: “We decided we wanted to give something back to the local community.

“We know from studies that sport can engage young people, and we also know that young people who play sport are also more likely to do better academically. So we thought American football as our sport would be fantastic vehicle to try and help local kids.

“One of the great success stories coming out of our youth team was the progression of some of our players on to further and higher education. For some of our kids they were first generation students, having never thought about university before. Last year we had seven students who progressed from the youth team onto university, which for us that is an unbelievable success story.”

One of those success stories is Robbie Wales, an incoming first year studying Physical Activity and Health at Napier and the first member of his family to attend university.

He said: “The coaching staff are amazing; the team is amazing. I’ve gained a lot of skills from American football, mainly teamwork but also patience. Talking with coaches and past players, it’s definitely helped me make decisions on my life.”

The university are hopeful that even more young people from Edinburgh will get involved in the project as Covid restrictions ease.

Pete Laird added: “We were very worried coming out of lockdown, about whether or not the numbers would stay the same – but actually what we’ve seen is a big growth in people wanting to participate in activity.

“Now more than ever, sport is a vital resource for post-pandemic recovery.”

Dame Katherine Grainger said: “A lot of people know about the role universities play in developing some of our greatest Olympians and Paralympians but there is a real untold story about the work they do in their communities to improve the lives of people through sport and physical activity.

“The Edinburgh Napier Knights Youth team is a great example of that.” 

The Made at Uni Energising Places campaign is taking place between July 12-16th, and includes the BUCS annual awards event which celebrates the positive effect of student sport and students who participate in the wider sporting sector in the UK.

To find out more about the Made at Uni Energising Places campaign visit www.madeatuni.org or follow @MadeAtUni on Twitter

Edinburgh’s Maison Sport secures Future Fund investment

Game-changing ski instructor platform Maison Sport is among only a handful of travel businesses to secure finance from the UK Government’s Future Fund.

The trio behind the innovative tech start-up, which connects skiers and snowboarders with some of Europe’s best instructors, set out to apply for the funding support in May 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the scheme launched.

With the travel sector hit hard by the impacts of Covid-19, Maison Sport felt the effects of closures at countless resorts across Europe and ski holidays cancelled for many.  The funding has given the tech start-up a much-needed financial boost, allowing the platform to continue to support independent instructors across Europe.

The Future Fund – developed by government and delivered by the British Business Bank – was established to support the UK’s innovative businesses affected by Covid-19. It was created for businesses unable to access other government business support programmes, due to being pre-revenue or pre-profit and typically reliant on equity investment. 

With a third-party investor willing to support the growth and ambitions of Maison Sport, the trio of founders were able to apply for the convertible loan which saw the government match their investor funds.

It is the latest success in Maison Sport’s fundraising drive to ensure the business survives and thrives through the pandemic.  

Over the past six months, the business has secured further funds from their existing advisory board members Kevin Byrne, Founder of Checkatrade.com and serial entrepreneur Lorenz Bogaert, as well as new investor, Gareth Williams, Co-Founder of Skyscanner. This will enable Maison Sport’s expansion into new markets globally and will help to grow their impressive international portfolio of instructors and customers.

Started by three former ski champions – brothers Nick and Olly Robinson and Aaron Tipping – Maison Sport has more than doubled the number of instructors in its marketplace throughout the pandemic. It is currently represented in more than 350 resorts, with over 1,200 qualified instructors across France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

The aim now is to expand into four new markets this year – Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Japan – with plans to move into Asia and South America next year.

Founder and CEO Nick Robinson says: “We’ve worked so hard to remain positive and ambitious over this past year or so. The Future Fund initiative has really given us a boost to move on to the next level.

“As the only platform dedicated to independent instructors, we’re really optimistic about the way Maison Sport is evolving and we’re looking forward to spreading our vision globally.”

Future Fund, delivered by the British Business Bank, has allowed companies to apply for a convertible loan with private investors at least matching the government investment. 

For more information visit www.maisonsport.com

England match sees electricity use jump 1400MW

  • England v Denmark responsible for one of the biggest electricity pick-ups in modern times.
  • The Euro 2020 semi-final match saw a surge of 1400MW at half-time and 1300MW at full-time.
  • Pick-up for England-Germany round of 16 match was on a par with the 2011 Royal Wedding of William and Kate (1600MW)
  • England v West Germany 1990 (2,800MW) required just 200MW less than the 1999 Solar Eclipse.
  • OLBG reveals the top TV moments for electricity pick-up.

While football is on the brink of coming home (we’ll see! – Ed.), it is also producing record-breaking surges in electricity demand.

As the nation collectively sat down to watch England’s Euro 2020 semi-final match-up with Denmark on Wednesday night, demand for power skyrocketed by 1400MW at half-time and 1300MW at the end of 90 minutes, making it one of the biggest TV moments in terms of electricity pick-up in modern times.

Forecasts prior to the match suggested pick-up in the region of 1200MW, with millions of litres of water (via pumped storage) standing ready at Dinorwig, ready to be deployed in order for people to make their half-time cup of tea. And according to the grid’s control centre, ITV ad breaks only served to fuel movement at half-time.

Wednesday night’s pick-up was the same as the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia (also 1400MW), but on this occasion Gareth Southgate’s side went one step further. 

Research by OLBG shows the England-West Germany match-up at the 1990 World Cup still accounts for the biggest sports-related pick-up, falling just 200MW short of the 1999 Solar Eclipse.

RankTV MomentDatePick-up in MW
1Solar Eclipse 199911/08/19993,000
2England v West Germany – World Cup Semi-Final04/07/19902,800
3The Thorn Birds22/01/19842,600
4England v Brazil – World Cup quarter-final21/06/20022,570
5Nigeria v England – group match12/06/20022,340
6Eastenders: Lisa admits shooting Phil05/04/20012,290
7The Darling Buds Of May12/05/19912,200
8England v Australia – Rugby World Cup Final22/11/20032,110
9Argentina v England – FIFA World Cup round of 1630/06/19982,100
10Italy v Argentina – World Cup semi-final03/07/19902,000
11England v Portugal – World Cup quarter-final01/07/20061,960
12Sweden v England – World Cup group stage20/06/20061,830
13Juventus v Man Utd – UCL semi-final21/04/19991,820
14Wedding of Charles and Diana29/07/19811,800
15England v Ecuador – World Cup round of 1625/06/20061,700
16England v Germany – Euro 202029/06/20211,600
17Royal Wedding – William & Kate29/04/20111,600
18England v Croatia – World Cup semi-final11/07/20181,400
19England v Sweden – World Cup quarter-final07/07/20181,400
20Rugby World Cup Final – England v South Africa02/11/20191,300
21England v Colombia – World Cup round of 1603/07/20181,200
22England v Ukraine – Euro 2020 quarter-final03/07/2021960
23Clap for CarersVarious800
24England v West Germany – World Cup 196630/07/2021600

The Three Lions’ quarter-final thrashing of Ukraine registered a 960MW pick-up at half-time, which was good enough for 22nd in our rankings – the equivalent of 190 million light bulbs, or 530,000 kettles. Demand waned as the result became clear, with 450MW required at full-time with fans drifting off.

Prior to that, a 55-year wait for a win over Germany at a major tournament ended with a 2-0 win for England in their round of 16 tie, with the national control room confirming a 1GW pick-up at half-time and 1.6GW at full-time, surpassing the grid operator’s best guess of 900MW beforehand. That is the equivalent of 320 million light bulbs, or 888,000 simultaneously boiling kettles.

Demand for electricity during England’s last 16 tie against Germany at Euro 2020

Geoff Hurst’s infamous hat-trick goal and the famous words “They think it’s all over … It is now!” in England’s last major tournament win in 1966 – a 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley – accounted for a modest 600MW spike, while the regular Thursday night ‘Clap for Carers’ last year saw peak pick-up of 800MW.

Graph plotting demand during the infamous 1996 World Cup final

Britain’s electricity system operator – National Grid ESO – is tasked with matching the country’s supply and demand, second-by-second, making sure the lights – and televisions – stay on!

In fact record viewing figures for the four-hours-and-five-minutes broadcast on ITV were recorded, and those, along with the electricity pick-up are set to be surpassed for Sunday’s showpiece final when England take on Italy at Wembley.