ITV commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon have caused a stir online with their commentary for Eberechi Eze's goal during England's 2-0 win against Serbia. The Arsenal man came off the bench to ensure the Three Lions picked up three points in their penultimate World Cup qualifier.
Fellow Gunner Bukayo Saka had given Thomas Tuchel's side the lead in the first half, hitting a volley past Serbian shot-stopper Predrag Rajkovic. But the visitors crafted multiple chances of their own during the tie, with England not making the most of their own opportunities.
In a bid to put the tie to bed, Tuchel sent on Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eze in the 65th minute, hoping that the three creators could grab a second goal to wrap up the tie. And they obliged, with all of them combining to put the game out of reach.
England's Eberechi Eze controls the ball.
World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - England v Serbia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - November 13, 2025 England's Eberechi Eze in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
After Bellingham brought the ball out from defence, he played the ball into Foden, who was occupying space between Serbia's midfield and backline. The Manchester City ace then drove towards the goal, before laying the ball off to Eze, who curled it beyond Rajkovic and into the top corner.
It was a beautiful finish from the Arsenal creator, as he notched just the third England goal of his career. But Matterface and Dixon, who were commentating on the game for ITV, weren't as celebratory as some might have expected, and much of their reaction was focused on Foden's assist, rather than Eze's strike.
Listen to Their Commentary Below:
Foden had been in the headlines in the build-up to Thursday's match, having been recalled to the squad along with Bellingham. Prior to the match, Tuchel was asked several questions about whether the pair could start together as they had done under his predecessor, Gareth Southgate. But while that context might have motivated Matterface and Dixon to focus on the City midfielder's contribution, it did feel weird for them not to hype Eze up in equal measure.
BBC Radio 5 Live, by comparison, chose to completely focus on the ex-Crystal Palace man's strike. Lead commentator Ian Dennis hailed the goal as "superb", before former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson went on to say, "that was worth the entrance fee in itself. What a wonderful finish from Eze."
England's Eberechi Eze scores their second goal past Serbia's Predrag Rajkovic
World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - England v Serbia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - November 13, 2025 England's Eberechi Eze scores their second goal past Serbia's Predrag Rajkovic Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Many fans online have complained about the pair, stating that they should have been more celebratory. One wrote: "Matterface and Dixon have truly ruined the experience of watching England on TV."
Another viewer chimed in, saying: "Can’t believe what I’m hearing on the commentary." And a fellow England fan echoed those thoughts, saying: "Poor commentating though! Where have the proper commentators gone? It’s so boring listening to these commentators nowadays. And the analysis - same analysts all the time, same opinions. We need some fresh voices and different perspectives."
Other supporters also acknowledged that both Matterface and Dixon had focused on Foden instead of Eze in the aftermath of the goal. One asked: "This goal is all about Eze's finish how they trying make it all about Foden?"