Thierry Henry named Euro 2016 BBC pundit

BBC will show England's game with Wales during next summer's tournament

The prize: The European Championships trophy (GETTY IMAGES)

The BBC have drawn first blood in the punditry battles ahead of Euro 2016 with the announcement that Thierry Henry will be among their team for the tournament.

The former France international and Arsenal striker, who is a regular on Sky Sports, will join Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer for the summer. The BBC have promised there will be more announcements with "a number of other big international names in the Paris studio".

Henry, who was among the BBC's roster for the 2014 World Cup, said: “I really enjoyed the World Cup in Brazil and it was a completely different experience as a pundit rather than a player. I am enjoying my broadcasting work and look forward to being part of the BBC’s team, covering some of the great matches featuring Europe’s best players. It is a tournament that is very close to my heart, having won it 15 years ago, and the fact it is being held in France will make it an extra special experience.”

During the tournament in Brazil Henry and Lineker were joined by Rio Ferdinand, Clarence Seedorf and Juninho.

(Getty Images)

ITV, who share broadcast rights, are yet to reveal who will be among their pundits however if the World Cup is anything to go by, they will be announcing some major names of their own. In Brazil among their team were Gordon Strachan, Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Gus Poyet and Lee Dixon.

It was revealed last night that ITV will show England's two group stage evening kick-offs - their opener against Russia and final game against Slovakia. BBC will show the lunchtime kick-off against Wales.