Harry Kane responded to Gary Lineker after he criticised his performance during England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark.
Former Three Lions striker Lineker was not happy with Kane’s performance as England laboured to a draw against Denmark, giving a lengthy analysis in the BBC studio over his lack of influence.
While the Bayern Munich star did get on the scoresheet, he was largely marked out of the game – similar to how he played against Serbia in England’s Euro 2024 opener.
Among the criticism, Lineker insisted Kane must ‘do a lot better’ and his movement was ‘minimal’.
And the England captain has now responded to the Match of the Day host, insisting Lineker should have been more careful with his words.
Kane, who also denied a ‘players-only’ meeting, said: “I’d never want to be disrespectful about any player, especially one who’s worn the shirt.
“It’s very hard to not listen to it now.
“They’ve got to be honest but they also have a responsibility as an ex-player of knowing that people care about what say and people do listen to them.
“This country hasn’t won anything for a long, long time and a lot of these players were a part of that as well and know how tough it is.
“It’s not digging anyone out, it’s just reality. They do know that it’s tough to play in these major tournaments.
“All I would say is remember what it’s like to wear the shirt and that their words are listened to.
“They want us to win a major tournament and being as helpful as they can and building us up with confidence would be a much better way of going about it.”
Kane was taken off against Denmark when England needed a goal and replaced with by Ollie Watkins, leading to debate over his effectiveness from the BBC studio.
Lineker, who as host usually acts diplomatically in such situations, made the rare decision to fully involve himself in the discussion and said: “In all honesty, I think Harry Kane needs to do a lot better.
“I think his movement was minimal. He didn’t look to go behind, and he doesn’t often.
“But even when he comes short, he’s just drifting short, very kind of lethargically. He’s plodding short. And that’s not going to help.
“When you’re a striker, your two jobs are, obviously score goals. Which he’s brilliant at, he has been all his career. He’s wonderful at that sort of thing.
“But I think he needs his manager to say, ‘Right, I need a little bit more from you, Harry’. I’d have expected that, if I’d have had that sort of performance.”
England face Slovenia in their last Euro 2024 group stage match on Tuesday, knowing a win will ensure they progress as group winners.
Even a draw might be enough to see the Three Lions clinch top spot, with Denmark and Serbia playing in the other fixture.
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News Summary:
- Harry Kane hits back at Gary Lineker’s viral criticism of his England performance in strong response
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