Rio Ferdinand issues blunt response to Juan Mata jibe and makes Gareth Southgate sack prediction

Rio Ferdinand has responded to criticism about his punditry. The former Manchester United defender was joined by Gary Lineker, Juan Mata and Micah Richards on the BBC as England locked horns with Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Luis de la Fuente's side netted a late winner against the Three Lions at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday evening, waltzing away 2-1 victors. Nico Williams put La Roja ahead shortly after half-time before Cole Palmer pulled one back with just over a quarter of an hour left to play.

Then, in the final minutes of the game, Mikel Oyarzabal beat Jordan Pickford at his near post with an brilliant finish to secure Spain their fourth European Championship. Before Ferdinand could address the England boss' future after the final whistle, he, Mata and Richards provided half-time analysis.

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One eagle-eyed viewer noticed the former Chelsea and Man United midfielder's page of notes that were neatly placed on the desk. The viewer, who goes by @Andymc1983 on X, then compared Mata's detailed report to Ferdinand, who – in contrast – appeared to have a blank piece of paper.

Andy McCarroll posted his findings on social media, chalking up over one million views and 16,000 likes. He tweeted: "Juan Mata with a page full of notes in front of him. Rio Ferdinand with "vibes" written on his #ESPENG."

Almost 200 users joined the former England international in the replies, issuing a blunt response – that racked over nearly 200,000 views – to the criticism. Ferdinand simply wrote: "[Thumbs up emoji]."

Nevertheless, following the final whistle, the