Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGary Lineker made a surprise cameo on ITV's World Cup coverage, returning to free-to-air television after departing the BBC last May. He was announced as a pundit for the Germany against Ivory Coast match but comically attempted to start presenting the show before being interrupted by Laura Woods. Lineker, who will host ITV game show The Box later this year, made a subtle dig at the BBC for not being based in America for the World Cup, contrasting it with ITV's New York studio. The former England forward reflected on his own World Cup history, including his 1986 Golden Boot and the 'Hand of God' game. He also commented on Harry Kane equalling his record of 10 World Cup goals for England, praising Kane as a superior all-round number nine. In fullGary Lineker aims slight dig at BBC during shock World Cup cameo for ITVThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Lineker has been aligned with Netflix during the World Cup through The Rest Is Football podcast but will appear on ITV’s coverage for Germany’s clash with Ivory Coast

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