'Very lucky chap' - Gary Lineker told £1.3m BBC salary 'can't be justified' as his Match of the Day predecessor suggests England legend is 'not everyone's cup of tea'

The ex-Tottenham, England and Barcelona striker has been the highest-paid presenter at BBC over the past seven years drawing an annual salary of £1.35 million - as per The Times. Now Lineker's predecessor and former Match of the Day host Lynam has weighed in on the legendary forward's wages and revealed why the company might find it difficult to justify such a high salary.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Lynam said: "I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or firemen does, but it’s the market – that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay to get his services. You can’t say that anybody saying a few words on a television screen is worth more than someone who saves lives, but money dictates. He’s a very lucky chap."

The ex-presenter added: "He wasn’t comfortable [as a pundit] at the beginning. He’s been highly critical of the England team in the Euros, but when he first came on he wouldn’t criticise anybody. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea but for my money, I think he does a first-class job."

Lineker drew the ire of his fellow BBC colleagues for his fierce criticism of Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions during the Euros. The staff were reportedly left "uncomfortable and embarrassed" by the furore sparked by the presenter. Several staff members had also complained as they were unhappy that the 63-year-old does not have to comply with their impartiality guidelines.

The Daily Mail reported last month that Lineker allegedly approached ITV to gauge their interest in having him as a sports anchor as his contract with BBC is set to expire next summer.