Micah Richards went on air for BBC One’s World Cup semi-final coverage carrying news few could bear – his father Lincoln had died unexpectedly, moments before England’s 2-1 defeat by Argentina.
“Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” the former England right-back wrote on Instagram. “His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.”
“Micah Richards' father died before BBC pundit went on air for England's World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina”
Richards, 38, who won 13 caps for England and played for Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina, described his father as his greatest fan. “He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.”
The BBC pundit said he knew his father, “a proud old-school Yorkshireman”, would have wanted the show to go on. “Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”
On the pitch, England had taken an early second-half lead through Anthony Gordon. But Thomas Tuchel’s ultra-defensive approach backfired – Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez headed a stoppage-time winner.
Argentina’s media revelled in the collapse. Sports daily Ole declared: “Argentina humiliated England’s defensiveness,” and said Tuchel’s side “fell into the trap of nervousness.” It added, cuttingly: “The chivalry and fair play they sell as their emblem were left behind in London.”
The same newspaper repeatedly mocked Jude Bellingham, writing four times in its match report: “And Bellingham? Nothing.” La Nacion noted Tuchel’s defensive changes – ending in a 5-4-1 formation – played into Argentina’s hands by allowing long-range shots, one of which led to the equaliser. The Buenos Aires Times said England would “live to regret sitting back after Gordon’s opener” and pointed to the failure of key men Bellingham and Harry Kane. Pagina12 evoked Diego Maradona’s famous line after a River Plate match: “River was River. They played a great first half and in the second half, their underwear fell off.” Infobae reported England had just 12% possession after taking the lead.
Argentina now face Spain in the World Cup final, while England face questions over Tuchel’s tactics and a squad left to wonder what might have been.