Gary Lineker picks his favourite Match of the Day pundit - 'Really underrated'

Gary Lineker has labelled Danny Murphy as his favourite Match of the Day pundit as he nears the end of his time as the show's host. The former England striker turned broadcaster has been leading the programme's coverage for more than two decades.

Throughout that time Lineker has worked with a number of pundits and analysts who have given their insight on Premier League games. Murphy has stood out for particular praise, although Lineker ruled out picking Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast, which is one of his business interests away from Match of the Day that he will continue.

When Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: "I don’t like any of the others... that’s a joke. I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around."

Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially called time on his career. The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star's broadcasting career also sees him offer his insight on the radio - regularly appearing on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.

Murphy was among those to go public with his backing of Mark Chapman as Lineker's replacement. The Match of the Day 2 host has been on the BBC's books for years and was among the frontrunners to take on the main role.

"He’s worked on Match of the Day 2 for a long time and he’s brilliant at his job," said Murphy. "Working with Gary has been an absolute pleasure and he’s outstanding at what he does. Working with Chappers is also a huge pleasure – he’s so calm and comfortable in the seat and he’s incredibly knowledgeable about football."

Lineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring. The BBC has since announced that Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis, which sums up the magnitude of the task that Lineker had taken on for more than 20 years. The outgoing host was asked why a trio are needed and explained: "That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.

“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone. That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.

“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do. They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters."

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