Gary Lineker explains why he ‘got shafted’ with ‘sh*t’ assessment of England – with ex-Three Lions star revealing whether he has spoken with Harry Kane ahead of Euro 2024 final

The former frontman, who netted 48 goals for his country, courted controversy when offering a rather blunt take on performances from Gareth Southgate’s side during the group stage of another major tournament. His now infamous quip was made on the back of a 1-1 draw with Denmark, with current captain Harry Kane quizzed on the comments as Lineker faced criticism for airing an opinion that was shared by many.

Lineker has now told The Guardian of sparking a lively debate that never needed to happen: “I got shafted a bit with that. I never said that either Harry Kane or England were sh*t. I listened back to make sure. I said ‘it’ was sh*t, ‘it’ being the game. But it goes to Harry as ‘Gary Lineker says you were sh*t’, which is a bit naughty. But I think these guys get it. It was the same when I played. They said: ‘Jimmy Greaves says you’re not the same since you had hepatitis.’ It was more that I was getting on a bit and my legs were going. He probably had a point. We’re paid to give our honest opinion; you can’t bullsh*t people. And if it is not very good, then it is not very good. We would love to enthuse about wonderful, expansive England performances but that ain’t easy. We know that.”

Kane suggested that former players should watch what they say, as most of those – the 1966 World Cup winners aside – never won anything either. Lineker added when asked if he has been in touch with his fellow former Tottenham striker in the wake of an unfortunate incident: “I don’t have Harry’s number. Actually, have I ever met him? I don’t think I have. I don’t think I’ve ever come face to face with him. Alan [Shearer] has his number and might have messaged him.”

England have been able to block out the noise en route to reaching a second successive European Championship final. They are yet to produce their best, with Southgate hoping that has been saved for a showdown with Spain in Berlin that will provide an opportunity to end 58 years of hurt for the Three Lions.