Micah Richards was told his father died just before England-Argentina coverage started

Richards said the death of ‘his greatest fan’ was unexpected

Former England footballer and World Cup pundit Micah Richards was told of his father’s death just before going on air for England’s semi-final against Argentina. Richards, who won 13 caps for England, appeared alongside Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney on the BBC as Thomas Tuchel’s side suffered a late 2-1 defeat. Shortly after the game the TV favourite revealed that he had been told of his dad Lincoln’s death shortly before kickoff in Atlanta.

Writing on Instagram, Richards said: “Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon. “He was my greatest fan.

He barely missed a game my entire life. “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.

“I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. “I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.

“Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.” During the pre-match coverage BBC presenter Mark Chapman joked with Richards about former presenter Gary Lineker. Chapman exclaimed “Gary who?” after the pundit made a comment about the former Match Of The Day host.

A pre-match piece of analysis on Jude Bellingham showed him on a list of players with the most World Cup goals all scored inside the penalty area. The graphic showed the Real Madrid midfielder has scored seven goals from an average distance of 9.4 metres, while former England striker Lineker scored 10 from 7.3 metres. Speaking on BBC One, Richards quipped: “One thing I don’t like on that list, another graphic that’s got Gary Lineker on there.

“He’s just texted me now but he’s dropping down the table. Thank God for that.” Laughing, Chapman replied: “Gary who?

Joke! Joke! Before everybody piles on, joke.

Goodness me.”