Preparing for a big game requires a unique set of skills, and BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis has revealed his surprising technique. In an interview with the Beeb’s Football Daily podcast, Dennis shared that he plays his son’s video games, specifically Fifa (now known as EA Sports FC), to enhance his broadcasting abilities.
Dennis, who has been commentating for the BBC for over two decades, explained that playing Fifa helps him ensure he gets every player’s name and number correct. The realistic graphics and detailed player information in the game assist him in this regard. He stated, “The graphics are so great these days and the number association [helps]. That’s how I would normally prepare for a Champions League match.”
To provide further context, Dennis gave an example of how he uses Fifa to familiarize himself with teams. He said, “Say for instance I was doing Borussia Dortmund, I would play Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Dortmund and get the number association. And I would get certain sort of thumbnail descriptions of players in my head.”
However, for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, Dennis won’t have access to a console. Nevertheless, his extensive knowledge of football and experience commentating on England’s players in the past will aid him in delivering accurate and insightful commentary. He mentioned, “But fortunately, because I’ve seen Spain in five of their six games in this tournament, I should know the Spanish players pretty well.”
Dennis will be joining John Murray as a commentator on BBC Radio for the highly anticipated final. England will be aiming to end their 58-year trophy drought in men’s international football. Throughout the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s team has shown resilience, securing victories through penalty shootouts, extra-time goals, and late winners. Regardless of the final outcome, the squad has already made history as the first men’s England team to reach a major final on foreign soil. Southgate himself has also etched his name in the history books as the first England men’s senior manager to reach two major finals.
As fans eagerly await the final, both BBC and ITV have assembled a stellar lineup of presenters, pundits, commentators, and co-commentators to provide comprehensive coverage. On the BBC, Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman will lead the presenting team, while Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, and others will offer expert analysis. ITV’s lineup includes Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods, Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and more.
In conclusion, Ian Dennis’s unorthodox preparation method for commentating on big games showcases the dedication and creativity required in his profession. Playing Fifa allows him to familiarize himself with players and their associated numbers. Even without a console for the Euro 2024 final, Dennis’s vast knowledge of football and previous experience will ensure he delivers insightful commentary. As England vies for glory and makes history in the final, fans can rely on the comprehensive coverage provided by both BBC and ITV.