BBC staff 'unhappy with Gary Lineker for Gareth Southgate attacks' as fury rises ahead Euro 2024 final

Gary Lineker Gareth Southgate

BBC staff are reportedly 'unhappy' with Gary Lineker's constant criticism of Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Euro 2024 final with Spain on Sunday

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 12/07/2024

- 16:22

The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona star has been outspoken in his criticism of England as their clash with Spain looms

BBC staff are reportedly 'unhappy' with Gary Lineker's constant criticism of Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Euro 2024 final with Spain on Sunday.

Lineker hasn't held back when discussing the Three Lions this summer, despite England being unbeaten.


They scraped through a group consisting of Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia - picking up just five points from a possible nine.

A stunning late goal from Jude Bellingham saved them from defeat against Slovakia, while penalties were required to get the better of Switzerland.

Gary Lineker Gareth Southgate

BBC staff are reportedly 'unhappy' with Gary Lineker's constant criticism of Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Euro 2024 final with Spain on Sunday

RESTISFOOTBALL/PA

Lineker hasn't been afraid to mince his words while discussing England this summer.

And The Telegraph say BBC staff are 'unhappy' with Lineker's 'outspoken criticisms of Southgate' at the tournament in Germany.

The 63-year-old previously called England 's**t' after the 1-1 draw with Denmark last month.

But it's claimed staff are more 'irritated' by Lineker's questioning of Southgate's tactics.

Lineker has reportedly made 'no attempt' to clear the air with Southgate, who has said he's 'oblivious' to the 63-year-old's criticism.

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BBC staff who deal with Southgate on a daily basis are 'uncomfortable' and 'embarrassed' by the furore.

And it is unclear if Lineker will be allowed to interview the England boss after Sunday's final showdown with Spain.

The FA, at the current moment in time, haven't restricted any of the BBC's access to players or management.

Yet there is unhappiness at how brutal Lineker has been this summer, with the majority of his outspoken comments coming on his Rest is Football podcast.

Lineker's long-term future at the BBC is shrouded in uncertainty, with his contract due to expire next year.

READ MORE:Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman makes furious complaint after crushing Euro 2024 defeat to England

It emerged earlier this week the 63-year-old won't be presenting the broadcaster's Champions League highlights show from next season.

Gabby Logan will be presenting the show instead.

Meanwhile, Lineker has dealt out some rare praise for England ahead of the match with Spain - saying he's been impressed by their fighting spirit.

The Three Lions have come from behind to win matches against Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

And Lineker, writing for the BBC, said: "They have got that kind of never-say-die attitude, which is something that is hugely important.

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Gary Lineker

BBC presenter Gary Lineker hasn't held back with his criticism of England at Euro 2024 this summer

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"Even when they weren't playing great, they were grinding out results.

"And it's an old football cliche that if you can win when you play badly, then things are not that bad."

Lineker also says England have turned things around at Euro 2024, despite his constant attacks on Southgate and his players.

England Netherlands

England beat the Netherlands on Wednesday night to set up a mouthwatering showdown with Spain in the final of Euro 2024

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"I don't really think I'm surprised at how we have done it, because we've got the individuals, world-class footballers right across the pitch," he said.

"Yes, they started slowly and something wasn't quite right about things but they've worked it out and they've got gradually better as the tournament progressed.

"It's much better that way round."

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