Gary Lineker names Danny Murphy as most missed pundit before Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker is set to step down as host of BBC's Match of the Day after 26 years, but will continue to present the BBC's FA Cup coverage next season and the 2026 World Cup before retiring. Reflecting on his time with the show, Lineker highlighted Danny Murphy as the Match of the Day pundit he will miss the most, praising him as an underrated, analytically strong, and enjoyable colleague. Lineker excluded Alan Shearer and Micah Richards from this choice, as he will continue working with them on their podcast, The Rest Is Football. Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool and England midfielder, has made over 170 guest appearances on the program since 2013 and is also a regular on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT. As Lineker departs, the BBC has announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates will rotate hosting duties for Match of the Day. Lineker expressed confidence in the new hosts, noting the significant commitment the role requires and his long-standing relationships with them.