Gary Lineker told to 'be better' and 'there's a way to articulate yourself' amid stinging England criticism

A 1-0 win over Serbia on matchday one was followed by a 1-1 draw with Denmark, with Lineker infamously describing the Three Lions' performance as 's**t'.

Lineker did see some encouraging signs in England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night.

But the 63-year-old's words have dominated the headlines, with the likes of Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane forced to respond.

Anderton, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill, has now weighed in.

He believes Lineker is well within his rights to criticise England given their underwhelming performances at Euro 2024 so far.

But he also feels the BBC presenter 'should be a bit better', while also saying 'there's a way to articulate yourself'.

"He is paid to give his opinion and he believes this describes the performance," he said.

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"There is a way to articulate yourself and there has to be a caveat here as England haven't played well but won the group.

"So in the grand scheme of things; the outspoken pundits can be a bit better in how they put their point across.

"Players know they haven't played well so they are the only ones who can address it."

England can reach the quarter-finals of a fourth major tournament in a row if they beat Slovakia in the round of 16 on Sunday.

And Anderton says the Three Lions need to play with more 'freedom', with the former Tottenham star also calling on Southgate to make changes to his starting XI.

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"Where do I start? They need to play with more freedom," he said.

"I would drop Jude [Bellingham] back next to [Declan] Rice and then [Phil] Foden can play as the No 10 and be more influential.

"You can then bring in [Anthony] Gordon on the left and have more pace going forward.

"Everything is too slow and at some point walking pace, so enable the wingers on both sides to get in behind the opposing defences.

"[Cole] Palmer impressed when he came on so can have a big impact from here."

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He continued: "We don’t need Trent or Conor [Gallagher] next to Rice, it hampers the side going forward.

"I hope [Luke] Shaw can be fit soom a she would come in at full back:

"Gordon on the left and then Palmer ready should [Bukayo] Saka not find any form."

For all of England's faults, however, they were still able to top their Euro 2024 group.

France don't have the same luxury, having finished second in their own group at the tournament.

Southgate has said the criticism has created an 'unusual' environment for his players as they look to end 58 years of hurt.

And Anderton is in agreement.

"Yes as England have topped the group," he said when asked about Southgate's comments.

"Look at France who havent topped the group and now on a tough side of the draw.

"So it is strange, but the expectation is so high for England."