Jenas opens up hosting World Cup draw and why he was worried during ceremony

16 June 2024 , 05:30

1100     0

Jermaine Jenas has become a seasoned broadcaster since retiring from football in 2013 (Image: Getty Images)

Jermaine Jenas reveals he was personally asked by FIFA to host the 2022 World Cup draw - but feared messing up on the grand stage.

The ex- England international has pivoted into a successful TV career since his retirement from football in 2013 where he's become a regular fixture on BBC's Match of the Day while becoming a permanent host on The One Show.

Among his presenting accolades was the opportunity to be the 'Draw Conductor' for the 2022 World Cup draw which no doubt sits among the top of his achievements in his post-football career.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport, the 41-year-old opened up about how he came to host the draw as he said: "If somebody asked me to do something and my initial gut is like, 'oh my God, maybe don't do it', I'm going to do it' That's how I am, I'm just like, that's the feeling I'm looking for. Go and do it. FIFA asked me to do it."

"And, you know, they believed in me. They believed I could do the job, so I was like all right, let's just go out there and do it." He did admit the one thing he feared was not messing up during the draw at the Exhibition and Convention Center in Qatar.

Pele fans sleep on streets and arrive 14 hours before funeral to pay respects

"And then obviously, once I'm there, I know, like, everybody's watching and thinking and waiting for me to mess up, basically, which never happened, "he added. "So it was another step in the right direction in my life as a result."

With the Euros underway and plenty of people expecting England to go all the way in what would be a first international honour in over 50 years, Jenas dispelled the pressure being put on the squad, admitting there's more of an onus for Gareth Southgate to finally deliver silverware.

Samantha Johnson, Jermain Jenas and Carli Lloyd during the World Cup draw

"I think in terms of being kind of like win or bust tournament football is the same for everyone," he commented. "But I think that question is probably better aimed at the manager than it is the players.

"The players will go on and I think they're going to achieve something special at some point. I think the manager will have the decisions make on the end of this tournament as to what he does if they don't win it yet."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Fasika Zelealem