Gary Lineker maintains that the media is to blame for his altercation with England’s Euro 2024 players, whom he referred to as “s***,” following Harry Kane’s direct criticism of his “podcast promotion.”

Gary Lineker has maintained that the argument he had with Harry Kane on England’s performance at Euro 2024 was the result of journalists’ fault.

Even though they were still undefeated going into the competition, England faced criticism for not having enough forward vigor in their 1-1 draw with Denmark.

Along with a number of other well-known media personalities, Lineker called Thursday’s England performance “s***” on the podcast “The Rest is Football,” which he presents and owns through his Goalhanger production company.

Before England’s last group stage match against Slovenia, Kane urged previous players to reconsider their comments against the team.

The England captain also hinted at a possible hidden agenda behind some of the critical response, saying that media people were using it as a means of ‘promoting their own channels’ because they ‘want the most views.’

In an interview with Alan Shearer for his podcast, Lineker defended his criticism of England and stated that the reporter who made the remarks to the players would have felt the same way about their play.

“Have I made the headlines again?” He stated. Journalists “being journalists,” as they say.

When it comes to trying to wound up our football players, they can be a little cunning. Naturally, we have been critical of England’s performance, as have the majority of journalists.

However, as time has gone on, both you and I have experienced what happens, Alan. As a player, you sit there and wait for your chance to speak with the media. Eventually, a journalist says, “You know they haven’t heard it, but so and so has been critical of you.”

We’ve previously discussed on this podcast the issue of journalists lacking the courage to pose their own inquiries.

“I promise that the person who inquired about it would have likely been critical of himself.” I believe that they do it both A) to stir things up and B) because they are afraid to ask the questions.

“I understand that it puts Harry in a difficult situation, but I felt he answered it well enough with a few details included, but answering a question like that is not simple.”

Lineker went on to say that his only goal is for England to compete at the best level in Germany.

If we had continued and claimed they had performed well, we would have been lying! Harry knows they weren’t very good.

He adds something like, “They have a responsibility as former England players, they should know what it’s like and it’s not like they’ve ever won anything,” or something along those lines, and that’s OK.

He is entirely correct. One thing, though, before I go: We absolutely do not want to come across as pessimistic and judgmental. Our desire is for the England team to perform well on the field, and the best commentary comes from when England performs well because it makes us happy and passionate about them.

We say that this performance was excellent and it was excellent. Although it pains us to criticize someone, there are instances when it is necessary. We also carried it out in balance.

If England defeats Slovenia on Tuesday, they will advance from their group and play one of the third-placed teams in the round of 16.

But a draw with Matjaz Kek’s team might see the Three Lions place second in Group C, putting them up against Germany in the opening round of eliminations.