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2018 World Cup Quarter Final: England v Sweden - Winner's Acceptance Speech, Sports category, Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards in 2019

12 May 2019

Winner's acceptance speech for 2018 World Cup Quarter Final: England v Sweden in the Sports category

PHIL BIGWOOD:  Wow,  we weren't expecting this. 

No doubt working in Russia on the World Cup served up many challenges, but ultimately it turned out to be the most successful World Cup any of us have ever been involved with.  

I'd like to pay tribute to our talented production team, technical team, logistics and planning teams, because without them, it wouldn't have happened. 

Now, I'd much prefer Gary Lineker or Alan Shearer or one of the commentators to be up here today accepting this award, but unfortunately they're working.  It's the last Match of the Day of the season, so please spare a thought, because while some of us are now going to be partying hard, they're going to be on air, BBC One, 10.30.

Last but not least.  There's one group of people without whom we wouldn't be here tonight, and that's Gareth Southgate and the England team because ...

So thank you, lads.  It nearly came home.