Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer defended their criticism of Harry Kane and England's performance in their 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Kane said England's former captain and two players should now “remember what it's like to wear the shirt” and pointed to their failure to lift the trophy with the Three Lions in their playing days.
Both were highly critical of the current captain's performance on the BBC, with Lineker later using the dictionary to describe it on his 'The Rest is Football' podcast.
Reacting to Kane's words, the 63-year-old said: “We were criticizing England's performance, as all journalists do, but you know how it goes.
“We have talked about this issue many times, about journalists who do not have the courage to ask their questions.
“I confirm whoever was criticizing himself. They do it a) to stir the pot and b) because they are afraid to ask a question from them.
“It puts Harry on the spot. I thought you answered it well.
“There is a point where he says that we have a responsibility as former England players, that we should know better and that we have never won anything or words that say that.
“Okay, you're absolutely right. But I will say one thing. The last thing in the world we want to be is condescending and critical. We want the England team to do well on the pitch. The best punditry is when England are playing well. “
🗣️ “We don't want to criticize, but sometimes we have to.”@GaryLineker again @AlanShearer respond to Harry Kane's comments about their criticism of England in the latest episode of the podcast out now 🎧 pic.twitter.com/sAhkiPYQnn
– The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) June 24, 2024
'It is important that we never get personal'
Shearer, who has played 63 games for England, echoed Lineker's words and insisted that players should not avoid criticism if they have not done well.
He added: “It is important that we never get personal. That is the most important thing.
“They were awesome and we have to say that. If England were smart we would say she is smart, she is.
“As a player, you always get the right to respond on the field. I have no problem with what we said, I wouldn't take back anything we said.
“England was really poor. I think most of the country, even the guys in the team, will know that they played badly against Denmark. There was nothing good.”
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