"He answered it fine" - Gary Lineker responds to Harry Kane after foul-mouthed criticism of England's Euro 2024 displays
Gary Lineker has reacted to Harry Kane's response to the former's criticism of England's performances at Euro 2024. The Three Lions have been poor and were second-best in their recent 1-1 draw against Denmark on June 20.
Following this match, Lineker and Alan Shearer were critical of their country's performances, and the former even called it 's***'. In response to these comments, Kane called for their support, while reminding them that they hadn't won a major tournament with England as well.
Agreeing with the Bayern Munich striker's statements, Lineker said on The Rest is Football Podcast (via Mirror):
"We've talked about it this a few times about journalists not being brave enough to ask their own questions. It's a guarantee that whoever that was would've been critical about it himself.
"I think they do it, A- to stir the pot and B- because they are too scared to ask questions from their own selves. So, I get it, it puts Harry on the spot, but I think he actually answered it fine."
England have one game left in the group stages, a match against Slovenia on Tuesday (June 25). Gareth Southgate's team look comfortably placed to finish on top of their group. They've racked up four points up until this point, which is two more than second-placed Denmark.
Kane himself hasn't been great so far, having scored one goal in the tournament, which came from a scrappy situation within the box against Denmark.
Alan Shearer was pleased with Harry Kane's substitution in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark at Euro 2024
Alan Shearer lauded Gareth Southgate for substituting Harry Kane in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark at Euro 2024. The striker was replaced by Ollie Watkins in the 70th minute after failing to influence the proceedings.
Kane only took one shot in the entire game while managing to register one key pass. Speaking on commentary for BBC Sport that day, Shearer said (via Independent):
"I'm pleased Gareth hasn't waited until the last 10 minutes to do it, give them 20 minutes to try and do something in this game."
Much like Kane, Watkins couldn't get things going for The Three Lions as well. Expect the former Tottenham Hotspur man to lead the line for England when they face Slovenia as he looks to regain his touch in front of goal.