"We are here to analyze" - Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer respond to criticism of their punditry after England's draw at Euro 2024
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have hit out at journalists for using them as outlets for their opinions about England's Euro 2024 performance. The BBC Sport pundits insisted their assessment of the Three Lions' 0-0 draw with Denmark was a critical analysis.
Lineker accused journalists of using them to get their own points across amid negativity about Gareth Southgate's men. He said (via the source above):
"I think what happens in these press conferences is that journalists use pundits or even myself on this particular occasion to try and make a point because perhaps they're not brave enough to make it themselves."
Shearer also defended the punditry duo and was adamant that their analysis was fine. The Newcastle United icon suggested England need just a positive performance against Slovenia in their third Euro 2024 game to quieten the negativity:
"We are there to analyze and our analysis was critical, which is fine, but as a player and as a team you always get the last chance to have the last word and they go out in the next game, they get a little bit of spark and that might just be the trigger they need to go on into the next round and start to win games and play well."
England were tipped as favorites heading into Euro 2024 but have made an unconvincing start to their campaign. They beat Serbia 1-0 in their opener and drew 1-1 with Denmark but are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.
Lineker reacted to the Three Lions' draw against Denmark by saying they were s**t. He also hit out at Southgate's comments about not having a Kalvin Phillips replacement by calling them 'insulting' and 'wrong.'
Harry Kane gave his take on ex-England players' recent criticism of their Euro 2024 campaign
England captain Harry Kane honestly responded to questions regarding former Three Lions players criticizing the current team. He pointed out that it's hard for current players to ignore the negativity they create (via Sky News):
"Maybe ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realize... it's very hard not to listen to [what they say] now, especially for some players who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment."
Kane feels former players have a responsibility since they know what it's like wearing the England shirt:
"So I always feel like [former players and pundits] have a responsibility. I know they've got to be honest and give their opinion, but also they have a responsibility of being an ex-England player."
Southgate's men endured a similar ride during Euro 2020 after suffering a 0-0 draw against Scotland in their second group game. The UK media hit out at the players' performances, but they bounced back and made it to the final.