Cesc Fabregas drew plaudits for his insightful punditry during England's 1-0 victory against Serbia at Euro 2024 - with BBC viewers describing him as 'levels above' his colleagues Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards.

Fabregas stole the show during the BBC's coverage on Sunday evening after the Three Lions began their group stage campaign with a hard-fought and nervy win.

The Arsenal and Spain legend, currently the assistant manager at Serie A side Como, was praised after his criticism of Phil Foden's performance and his insistence that England were 'underwhelming' during the second half in Gelsenkirchen.

Mail Sport's Kieran Gill, reviewing the BBC's live show, singled out Richards for his tactical analysis but expressed relief that Ferdinand did not repeat his 'cringe-worthy' antics during Real Madrid's Champions League final triumph.

But it was Fabregas, who also discussed Trent Alexander-Arnold's mixed display in midfield post-match, that emerged as social media's unanimous winner.

Cesc Fabregas drew plaudits for his punditry during England's 1-0 victory against Serbia

'Is it me or is Cesc Fabregas levels above Rio Ferdinand and Richards as a pundit?' one X account asked, sparking a one-sided debate between fellow users.

'Saw a quote, it's like having Paul McCartney talking about music in between Jedward,' read one hilarious reply.

Another added: 'Doesn't laugh as much as Richards. Needs to up his bantz game.'

'Yes, because he's actually coaching and understands it's easier said than done,' a fourth user said. 'All these ex players who rinse managers and coaches who've never coached a day in their life are better ignored.' 

A fifth agreed, saying: 'Obviously. He's intelligent and understands the game.'

'Fabregas is different class,' another said. 

'Miles ahead of them,' a further user posted. 'Has better insights. That's why he is a coach at the moment and will be a success. Rio and Micah just there for the vibes.' 

Urging Foden to step up for his country, Fabregas said: 'You just say mindset? No, it's all about the mentality. You cannot tell me that players like Trent, like Foden, like Bellingham, like Rice, they don't have the quality to hold the ball anywhere.

'It's about... do you want it enough to make a difference and hold the ball for your team? Do you want to make things happen? Do you enjoy the ball under pressure?

'They allowed them to have the ball when they were deep once in the second half, straight away, when they started to get pressed a little bit more, we started to see Foden hitting the ball without looking 40 yards. Trent, this not like them.

'You'll never see Xavi, Iniesta, the top, top players in the last 15, 20, years, do that. You need to take this responsibility to grow. I think that the second half was a little bit underwhelming. I would say that is the right word. 

'And I think players like Foden, they need to step up. This is the time for them to go into big tournament with their country behind them.'