Gary Lineker has strongly denied his criticism of Gareth Southgate played a role in the 53-year-old leaving his post as England manager on Tuesday.
Southgate announced his departure yesterday, with the former Middlesbrough boss choosing to walk away from the role after nearly eight years in charge.
Lineker was critical of Southgate's tactics at Euro 2024, much to the dismay of staff within the BBC.
And now, speaking on his Rest is Football podcast, the former Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona star has denied playing a role in Southgate's decision to leave.
Gary Lineker has strongly denied his criticism of Gareth Southgate played a role in the 53-year-old leaving his post as England manager on Tuesday
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“I think we’ve been unquestionably fair on England," said the 63-year-old. “There’s no doubt about that.
"But I think... it’s time for change. I think, probably for Gareth’s wellbeing as well, because it must be such a tough job.”
He 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.”
Lineker then accused figures within the media of 'trying to put a wedge' between pundits and players.
He said: "Honestly, they constantly try to put a wedge between us and players and management. Just the silliness of it."
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Micah Richards, who also appeared on the podcast, also said suggestions BBC pundits had been too critical were 'totally unfair'.
“As a person, as a man, where he’s taken England, he’s done an amazing job," said the former Manchester City star. "I just feel for him and for everyone moving forward, it was definitely the right decision."
England are now set to start looking for a new manager, with several names under consideration to replace Southgate.
Eddie Howe appears to be the frontrunner, though prising him away from Newcastle will be difficult given the Toon's desire to keep hold of the 46-year-old.
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Gary Lineker believes Gareth Southgate has left his post as England manager at the right time
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Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are both on the market, with the pair out of work following their departures from Chelsea both last year and earlier this summer.
Lee Carsley could be promoted from his role as Under-21s boss, though the former Everton star is unlikely to be given the job permanently.
Jurgen Klopp reportedly has no plans to take charge of England, despite a clamour for the former Liverpool boss to make a swift return to management.
And though Pep Guardiola would be a dream appointment, his sole focus is on guiding Manchester City to a fifth Premier League title in a row.
Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have defended their criticism of England following Gareth Southgate's resignation
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England are next in action in September, with the Three Lions due to lock horns with the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7.
They will then go up against Finland three days later.
