BBC unhappy with Gary Lineker's criticism of England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024 Final - Reports
The BBC is reportedly unhappy with Gary Lineker's criticism of England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of the EURO 2024 final, where they face Spain. Lineker, who has been a pundit throughout the tournament, has not held back when talking about the Three Lions boss.
England's performances have been sub-par, despite getting to the final of the competition. They have scored just seven goals in six games, with several goals owing to individual brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins.
They finished the group stage with five points, winning just one game and drawing the other two. One of those draws was against Denmark, with their sub-par performance drawing ire from Lineker, who said (via Sport Bible):
"You can think of all sorts of words and expletives if you like, but it was sh*t. Was it tactically inept? They’re just a little bit lost tactically. And that comes from the manager, I’m afraid. It really does. He’s got to get England playing higher up the pitch, as a unit. Because at the moment they’re not a unit. Are they not coached to play that?"
He continued, praising Gareth Southgate's man management qualities, but slamming the tactics that the Three Lions have used:
"He’s an amazing leader, he’s a great communicator, he’s transformed the public’s opinion of the national team and the players. But, tactically, the first game [a 1-0 win against Serbia], and we’ve seen it in other tournaments as well. England kind of start OK and then get a goal and then everything changes, and it’s almost like the kind of tactics of, get a lead, hang onto it. And the game’s moved on from that."
According to a report from the Irish Independent (via Sport Bible), these remarks have not pleased staff within the BBC. Some of them, especially those who regularly interact with Gareth Southgate, are reportedly feeling uncomfortable with Lineker's criticism. The report also noted that Lineker may be unable to interview Southgate if England win EURO 2024.
EURO 2024 Final: Spain vs England
Spain fans and England fans will turn up at the Olympiastadion Berlin on July 14, with the hopes of watching their respective countries win EURO 2024. It will not be an easy match for either side, who have fought hard to get to the final.
Spain have easily been the better side, scoring 13 goals and winning every single game they have played in the tournament. They also haven't gotten to penalties at any point in the knockout stages, notably beating Germany in extra-time.
The Three Lions have had it a bit tougher. They have made do with two draws in the group stage while reaching extra time twice. Against Switzerland, they ended up winning on penalties. They will be hoping to shock Spain when the EURO 2024 final arrives.