Gary Lineker names the England star he sees becoming Match of the Day pundit after retirement

Gary Lineker has named the England star he sees as a future pundit on Match of the Day.

The BBC’s Match of the Day remains one of the most-watched football highlights shows in the country.

Over the years, former England and Barcelona striker Lineker has been the presenter of the show.

The likes of Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy are a few of many former Three Lions players who have appeared as a pundit on Match of the Day.

During the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker was asked which England star from the Euro 2024 squad could become a pundit on Match of the Day in the future.

He said: “I would definitely suggest a player who didn’t quite make the final squad but did make the big squad and that would be James Maddison.

“I think he talks as well about the game with intelligence as any current player.”

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Lineker then asked fellow presenter Richards, who said: “I’d agree with that. Kyle Walker has done bits and pieces hasn’t he, he’s sat down with you and I think he did an FA Cup game with you.

“I think I’m going to go for Declan Rice, I think he always comes across very likeable, I think he knows the game very well and he’s hard-working so yeah I would go with Declan Rice.”

Lineker then added: “I think further down the line someone like Bukayo Saka as well.”

Richards then replied: “I think Saka is going to have too much money to even think about football!”

In response, Lineker said: “Yeah but it’s not enough in life, you need to do something don’t you? Won’t you get bored?”

The first Match of the Day of the 24/25 season is set to return next weekend as the Premier League campaign gets underway.