Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have both slammed reports that their criticisms during the European Championship had any influence on Gareth Southgate’s decision to depart as England manager.
The BBC presenter and pundit had both been among a number of critics of England’s performances in the early stages of the competition, which were widely regarded as being below par.
They were far from the only voices to level criticism at the Three Lions’ showings, although Lineker’s description of their performance in the group stages as being ‘s***’ caught headlines.
However, Lineker denied that he was specifically calling England ‘s***’, and in Monday’s episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, he admitted after the tournament that it was time for ‘someone else’ to come in.
On the latest episode, the pair both agreed that Southgate’s departure was ‘definitely the right decision’, after the former boss announced his exit on Tuesday.
Gary Lineker has denied claims that his criticisms of England during Euro 2024 influenced Gareth Southgate’s departure
Lineker had been critical of England’s performances at the Euros, but he was not the only pundit to do so
Southgate announced his departure as England boss on Tuesday after a hugely successful tenure
Lineker claimed of his coverage of the side: ‘We’ve been unquestionably fair on England. There’s no doubt about that. But I think… it’s time for change. Probably for Gareth’s wellbeing as well, because it must be such a tough job.’
He also revealed that he had been subsequently asked if Southgate’s exit might have anything to do with what he said at the start of the tournament, but ruled those suggestions out
‘Honestly. They constantly try to put a wedge between us and players and management. Just the silliness of it,’ he said.
Lineker added: ‘We were critical at times, because you can’t say when a team is not playing very well, that they played well.
‘If they played awfully, you say they played awfully, and they did in the early part of the tournament. There’s no question about that. But then to try and make it that that’s the reason, that criticism is the reason he’s gone. It’s not. It’s not that at all.
‘We speak to the players and they totally understand where it’s coming from.’
Richards then suggested that those questions were ‘totally unfair’, saying: ‘As a person, as a man, where he’s taken England, he’s done an amazing job. I just feel for him and for everyone moving forward, it was definitely the right decision.’
Southgate’s departure did not come as much of a shock, with his contract at the Football Association expiring later this year.
Southgate became the first England men’s boss to reach back to back major tournament finals
Micah Richards added that the suggestion their criticism influenced his exit were ‘totally unfair’
The FA have confirmed that they are already looking for the former boss’ replacement, though they will have some massive shoes to fill.
Southgate will undoubtedly go down as one of the most successful England manager’s of all time, with an unprecedented period of relative success including two European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final and a quarter-final.
He only lost 18 of his 102 matches in charge of the Three Lions, with his side scoring 2.25 goals per game and conceding only 0.84 with a win rate of 63 per cent, with Sir Alf Ramsey still the only manager to have won a major tournament.
Confirming his resignation on Tuesday, Southgate said: ‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
‘But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
England had entered the tournament as favourites but struggled to perform in the early stages
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.
‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant “team behind the team”.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be. I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
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