Football fans have poked fun at Rio Ferdinand after he shared his punditry notes ahead of the World Cup showdown between Wales and England.
The former Three Lions and Manchester United defender, 44, is working for the BBC as part of their star-studded presenter and pundit line-up in Qatar. For the titanic all-Home Nations encounter on Tuesday evening, Ferdinand was in the studio alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Ashley Williams and Ian Rush.
Moments before going on air, Ferdinand took to Twitter to share some of his notes for Wales versus England by posting a picture of one of his pages. His scribbles centred on the "overreaction" to the Three Lions' goalless draw with the United States last Friday and the importance of centre-back Harry Maguire in both penalty areas.
Maguire has been the subject of intense criticism over the last 18 months as the weight of the United captaincy and an extended period of poor form take their toll. Ferdinand suspects the reason why the 29-year-old, who made his 50th cap against the USA, is more effective for England is because they set up with a deeper defensive line than the Red Devils.
However, his notes on Maguire and the reaction to the Three Lions' stalemate with the USA were ridiculed by social media users. One follower wrote, "Me in GCSE copying my mate's notes," while another took issue with Ferdinand's claim that "realism [is] needed".
One supporter was more detailed in his criticism, writing: "This isn't honestly your prep? Lol. People have high expectations of the players, not of Gareth [Southgate, England manager], would not surprise me if he goes back to 5 at the back soon enough."
What do you make of Rio Ferdinand's Wales versus England punditry notes? Have your say in the comments...
There was some dispute over Ferdinand's handwriting, with one fan claiming theirs is better but another commenting "very neat". Some also saw the funny side of the Premier League legend sharing his notes, with one fan writing, "Get a better Pen Rio, very disappointed in your BIC," and another adding, "You need a better pen to write with!"
Others took things far too seriously and resorted to expletives to voice their opinions. "What a load of absolute b*******," one supporter wrote. "Passport Protection Racket at full force FFS. Maguire is s**** Rio, just tell the truth. Has never been good for United, and has nothing to do with 'a high line'. And 'dominant in both boxes'."
In contrast, one fan responded to Ferdinand's original tweet by writing: "Correct! Maguire needs to leave Utd and go to another top club best for all parties. He is more than decent in a low block."
