BBC and ITV announce Euro 2012 schedule

British public broadcaster the BBC and commercial rival ITV have agreed the split of games from the Euro 2012 soccer tournament after striking a deal to share the rights.

ITV will air England’s opening group game against France on 11 June and their final group game against Ukraine on 19 June, while the BBC will air the group game against Sweden on 15 June. The BBC, meanwhile, will have the first pick of the quarter finals as well as The Republic of Ireland’s last group game against Italy on 19 June.

Philip Bernie, head of sport at the BBC, said: “We are very happy with the live matches on BBC One, as they give us a strong climax to the event, with both semi-finals, as well as England’s quarter-final if they progress.”

ITV’s controller of sport Niall Sloane, said: “I’m delighted that ITV has secured an outstanding selection of games through the tournament, which includes England’s opening game against France as well as a potential peak time group decider against hosts Ukraine. ITV1 will also be the home of some terrific clashes between the top teams in Europe including Spain v Ireland, Spain v Italy, Portugal v Holland and Ireland v Croatia.”