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Jeff Stelling, popular Sky Sports host of Soccer Saturday, contemplating retirement

The popular anchor admits that his 'next decision' will be whether to retire

Thursday 23 March 2017 13:31 GMT

Jeff Stelling has presented Sky's Saturday results programme since 1994 (Getty)

Jeff Stelling, the long-standing anchor of Sky Sports’ popular Soccer Saturday programme, has revealed that he is contemplating retirement.

The 62-year-old presenter, named Sports Broadcaster of the Year for five successive years between 2005 and 2009, has gained popularity through his uniquely enthusiastic and professional style.

However, after spending more than 40 years in the industry, Stelling admits his thoughts have now turned to retirement.

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll do presenting. I’ve done it for 40 years,” he told the Daily Star.

“I am not sure how long it will go on for. I might want to put my feet up. I am getting on, the next decision will be retirement.”

“I want to stick my feet up on the beach. We spend as much time as we can in Portugal when it isn’t the football season. I love it there. I’d be very happy to spend a bit more time out there.”

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

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1/22Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6 out of 10

Rash when coming out to challenge Vardy early on, but stood firm to block Alli’s decent chance towards the end of the first half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Joshua Kimmich – 7 out of 10

One of the few young German players to have a decent evening and potentially sent a message to Carlo Ancelotti, who has not offered him much playing time this season.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Mats Hummels – 7 out of 10

Germany’s best all-round performer, rarely looked troubled by England’s attacking talents.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Antonio Rudiger – 6 out of 10

A solid display, if unspectacular. Did well on the rare occasions when England went aerial.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jonas Hector – 7 out of 10

Impressed after taking his time to grow into the game. His link-up play with Sane in the second-half was at the root of all England’s problems.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Julian Weigl – 5 out of 10

The main culprit in Germany’s surprising struggle to who Hauled off for Liverpool’s Emre Can midway through the second half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Toni Kroos – 5 out of 10

Surprisingly poor when it came to the simple stuff, misplaced several passes when not under pressure. Struggled to win his battle against the lesser light of Livermore.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Leroy Sane – 6 out of 10

Did not crackle like we know he can from his recent Manchester City form, but another who improved as the evening went on. Perhaps should’ve doubled Germany’s lead.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Julian Brandt – 4 out of 10

Another player reportedly attracting Premier League interest, he did not show why here. Switched for Andre Schurrle.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Lukas Podolski – 6 out of 10

The equivalent of a testimonial for the veteran and you could tell from his first-half performance. Then came Der Hammer, as Germany’s support calls his left peg. A stunning winner.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Timo Werner – 4 out of 10

The RB Leipzig frontman, a reported target for Liverpool, failed to translate his exciting form at club level to the international stage. Disappointing, but it was only his debut.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Joe Hart – 7 out of 10

Could do little for Podolski’s goal, but did well shortly after to deny Sane with an excellent stop down low to his left.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Gary Cahill – 4 out of 10

Lucky not to concede a penalty for needlessly leaning into a cross in the first-half and could have done better to stop Podolski’s screamer.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Michael Keane – 6 out of 10

Asked to play in a back three on his debut after excelling in a rigid four at Turf Moor all season, but coped admirably. One lapse in concentration was almost punished by Sane.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Chris Smalling – 5 out of 10

An indifferent night from the centre-half. Unlike Cahill, he was rarely called into question, but still did not convince.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Kyle Walker – 6 out of 10

Showed why he will be integral to Southgate’s England in his forays down the right flank, but only did so in glimpses. Hector and Sane began to cause him problems has the game went on.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Eric Dier – 6 out of 10

A lucky boy not to be severely punished for a late, robust tackle on Weigl. That aside, he helped to stifle Germany’s midfield.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jake Livermore – 7 out of 10

Not everyone’s idea of a no 7, but combined well with Dier in the centre of the park to disrupt Germany’s passing, particularly in the first half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Ryan Bertrand – 6 out of 10

Not as threatening as Walker was in moments, but defensively solid and frustrated Brandt in the first-half. Schurrle gave him a few more problems after the break.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Dele Alli – 7 out of 10

England’s main creative outlet, but also found himself on the end of several chances. Should have opened the scoring with the first-half’s best chance but hit it straight at Ter Stegen.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Adam Lallana – 7 out of 10

Came close to scoring in his fourth straight England appearance, but thwacked the post after an impressive burst forward.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jamie Vardy – 5 out of 10

Aggrieved to have not won a penalty early on, but you could tell he was looking for it. Too deep at times too, despite Germany’s defensive line offering him space in behind.

Stelling began presenting Sports Saturday, which would later become Soccer Saturday, in 1994, alongside panels including the likes of Frank McLintock, George Best and Rodney Marsh.

The Hartlepool-born presenter hosted the Channel 4 game show Countdown from 2009 to 2011, replacing fellow sports anchor Des Lynam.

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