Jermaine Jenas accuses Rio Ferdinand of 'LYING' in awkward exchange between the BBC pundits during live coverage of France's victory against Portugal at Euro 2024
- Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine Jenas were on punditry duty for the quarter-final tie
- The duo debated William Saliba's performance but disagreed on one key point
- Follow live coverage of England's Euro 2024 showdown with Switzerland HERE
Jermaine Jenas accused Rio Ferdinand of lying in an awkward exchange between the two pundits during France's victory against Portugal at Euro 2024.
Les Bleus knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in a dramatic penalty shootout last night after Joao Felix saw his effort, the only miss, hit the woodwork.
Both sides missed several chances in a tense goalless stalemate but Ferdinand highlighted Saliba's performance, insisting it was worthy of being 'marvelled at'.
Saliba impressed for Arsenal during the 2023-24 season and has been ever-present under Didier Deschamps at international level after belatedly breaking through.
Jenas, however, believes the centre back was not tested enough by Portugal.
Jermaine Jenas accused Rio Ferdinand of lying in an awkward exchange live on the BBC
Ferdinand and Jenas debated during coverage of France's Euro 2024 win against Portugal
William Saliba was the subject of the discussion with Jenas insisted he was not tested enough
-
PODCAST: Have England been playing with fear as Southgate suggests?
-
LISTEN: Southgate only England manager to be criticised whilst winning
-
PODCAST: The REAL reason England through despite playing badly
-
PODCAST: 'Just ONE good performance' could change England's fortunes
-
PODCAST: Are the England team buying into Southgate's style of play?
'We spoke about Saliba before the game,' Ferdinand began.
'The way he has commanded that box and any individual battle he has and any duel he is having he is coming out on top. He's just looked so formidable and so commanding.
'For somebody so young, in his first tournament, to show this kind of authority, I think is something to marvel at.'
Jenas then replied: 'I think this is a stretch. There's not been any real players put under major pressure to defend.'
Looking to press home his case, Ferdinand added: 'I think three balls have been put into the box and he's headed them out of the penalty box.
'That's something you have to do. You think that's just normal stuff, you see a lot of people not doing it, you still have to do it.'
Saliba was able to hold off Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates before the penalty shootout
Joao Felix missed the crucial spot-kick with his effort from 12 yards hitting the woodwork
Jenas let loose a sly dig, stating 'that is his job', leading Ferdinand to hit back.
He said: 'Yeah, this is a midfielder talking who was always shouting, "Where are you? Can you get up? Can you help me?"'
That, in turn, prompted Jenas to accuse him of lying.
'That's a lie. That is a lie,' Jenas said.
'There's only one person who defenders call on when they're in trouble, and it's a midfielder.'
Les Bleus will play Spain in the semi-finals after the latter beat hosts Germany, Mikel Merino heading home an extra-time winner in the 119th minute.
In the other half of the draw, England face Switzerland this evening with a spot in the final four on the line. The Netherlands will take on Turkey, meanwhile.
