Gary Lineker's BBC colleagues unhappy over his Gareth Southgate comments ahead of Euro 2024 final
BBC staff are 'unhappy' about Gary Lineker's outspoken criticism of Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024, according to a report.
Southgate and his England side have been subjected to intense criticism following some of their performances at Euro 2024.
Despite the backlash, Southgate has led the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2024 following victories over Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands in the knockout stage.
Lineker, who has fronted BBC's coverage of the England games at the tournament, has been one of the most vocal in criticising Southgate, having slammed the national team's showing against Denmark not to mention their victory over the Slovakians.
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On England's 1-1 draw with Denmark, Lineker exclaimed: "You can think of all sorts of words and expletives if you like, but it was sh*t.
"Was it tactically inept? They’re just a little bit lost tactically. And that comes from the manager, I’m afraid. It really does. He’s got to get England playing higher up the pitch, as a unit. Because at the moment they’re not a unit. Are they not coached to play that?
"He’s an amazing leader, he’s a great communicator, he’s transformed the public’s opinion of the national team and the players. But, tactically, the first game [a 1-0 win against Serbia], and we’ve seen it in other tournaments as well.
"England kind of start OK and then get a goal and then everything changes, and it’s almost like the kind of tactics of, get a lead, hang onto it.
"And the game’s moved on from that."
Lineker's criticism of Southgate has 'irritated' some of the presenter's colleagues at the BBC, according to the Irish Independent.
The report also claims that the BBC staff who deal with the England manager have been left 'uncomfortable' and 'embarrassed' by his criticism.
Despite his verbal attacks, the FA have not restricted the BBC's access to players or management.
If England do beat Spain to win Euro 2024, the report questions whether Lineker will be permitted to interview Southgate.
BBC declined to comment when SPORTbible reached out.
Topics: England, Football, Gary Lineker, Gareth Southgate
Nasir Jabbar