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Hart, Rooney and Richards on rowing the Hudson and if Tuchel should keep his job
BBC World Cup pundits Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart took to New York's Hudson river in a rowing boat to make good on Rooney's promise to "row the River Mersey" if Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals, which they duly did. The stunt, which even drew a teasing message from Norway striker Erling Haaland, capped off a tournament in which the trio have become a standout on-screen partnership for the broadcaster, praised for their easy chemistry and honesty.
The three men, who have known each other for over two decades through their playing careers, first worked together at this World Cup during England's goalless draw with Ghana on 23 June and quickly struck up a rapport they credit to long-standing friendship and mutual respect. Speaking after the row, Rooney called it "more relaxing than I thought", Richards said it was "good fun" though not something he would repeat, and Hart praised Rooney for keeping his word, saying it summed up their approach as a trio throughout the tournament.
In short
- Rooney, Richards and Hart rowed New York's Hudson river to honour a bet
- Rooney had pledged to row if Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals
- Trio praised for strong on-air chemistry throughout BBC's World Cup coverage
Explained simply
Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart are three former England footballers who have become prominent as commentators for the BBC's World Cup coverage. Their partnership has stood out during the tournament, with viewers praising their natural chemistry and straightforward, honest analysis.
The three have known each other for over two decades through their playing careers at the highest level of English football. This long-standing friendship and mutual respect provides the foundation for their authentic on-screen rapport, which has been a standout feature of the broadcaster's World Cup coverage.
Before the tournament began, Rooney made a joking promise to row the River Mersey if Norway reached the quarter-finals. This pledge became relevant when Norway qualified for that stage, providing the context for recent headlines about the three men and their continued partnership beyond the studio.