Micah Richards responds to Rio Ferdinand jibe as the BBC pundits hit the gym in Germany after England's win over Serbia

  • Richards and Ferdinand were on punditry duty for England's win over Serbia 
  • Ferdinand expressed his thoughts over England's display while in the gym 
  • LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Were England good in their opener or is the criticism fair?

By Michael Pavitt

Published: | Updated:

Rio Ferdinand has joked Micah Richards pretended to have worked out in the gym in a light hearted exchange between the BBC pundits away from the studio.

Ferdinand and Richards were both on punditry duty on Sunday night as England beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening match of Euro 2024.

The pundits had admitted England's display was 'underwhelming' despite the victory, with Ferdinand claiming Gareth Southgate's side had 'suffered'.


Ferdinand suggested the performance was still on his mind on Monday morning, when sharing a photo from a gym.

'Thinking.... wing play of Saka, importance of Rice, how to unlock Foden, Bellingham is him,' Ferdinand wrote on social media.

Rio Ferdinand shared thoughts on England and questioned Micah Richards absence from the gym, prompting his fellow BBC pundit to respond with a photo

Ferdinand accused Richards of taking the photo and heading straight to breakfast

The pundits had been on duty for England's match with Serbia, but Cesc Fabregas was singled out for praise by viewers on Sunday night

Ferdinand then took the opportunity to question fellow Match of the Day pundits Richards, Ashley Williams and host Gary Lineker about their absence from the gym.

Richards was quick to respond to Ferdinand, with the former Man City defender sharing his own photo from the gym.

'Already been mate,' Richards replied.

His claim was countered by Ferdinand, who labelled his comment as 'lies' before writing 'You got dressed, took a pic and then went straight to breakfast.'

While the pundits enjoyed some down time after England's match on Sunday, Richards is due to be back in the studio on Monday.

The former England international will be among the BBC's pundits for their coverage of Romania's match against Ukraine.

Richards is expected to be joined by Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Williams in the studio, as well as presenter Mark Chapman.

Despite Ferdinand and Richards being in the studio for England's match, fellow pundit Cesc Fabregas earned the most praise from viewers for his analysis of their clash with Serbia. 

Euro 2024GermanyRio FerdinandMicah Richards