Birmingham-born football pundit Micah Richards learned that his father, Lincoln, had died just moments before he went on air for the BBC's coverage of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The former Aston Villa and England defender, 37, received the devastating news minutes before the broadcast began, but chose to continue with his punditry duties alongside Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney as Thomas Tuchel's side suffered a 2-1 defeat in the dying moments of the match.
Richards Pays Tribute to His Father
After the broadcast ended, Richards posted on Instagram: "Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon. He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side."
He added: "I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else. I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would've wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did. Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."
Outpouring of Support
Richards was inundated with messages of support following his post. Jamie Carragher was among the first to respond, commenting: "Sending love to you and all the family." The tribute highlighted the close bond between father and son, with Richards recalling how Lincoln rarely missed a game throughout his career, from childhood to his professional days at Aston Villa, Manchester City, and the England national team, for which he earned 13 caps.
England's Heartbreaking Defeat
Despite England's defeat, manager Thomas Tuchel continues to hold the Football Association's confidence and appears likely to remain at the helm for Euro 2028. The 52-year-old former Chelsea boss was appointed as Gareth Southgate's replacement in November 2024, guiding the back-to-back European Championship finalists to the semi-finals in North America. Anthony Gordon's goal had England close to their first men's World Cup final since 1966, before Tuchel's defensive tactical changes allowed Argentina back into the contest.
Tuchel's original contract had only covered this World Cup, but in February he signed an extension through to 2028, with every intention of steering England into the home Euros. Reflecting on the Argentina defeat, the head coach said: "I have a contract until the home Euros and I'm looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead." England returned to their Kansas City base following Wednesday's heartbreaking defeat in Georgia.
