Under-fire Gary Lineker claims he was ‘shafted’ over his jibe that England were ‘s***’ against Denmark – as he reveals that he doesn’t have Harry Kane’s number after captain hit back at pundits’ criticism

Gary Lineker claimed he was ‘violated’ for his comment that England were ‘s***’ against Denmark. However, he has clarified his comments, claiming he called the match ‘s***’ rather than the Three Lions or Harry Kane.

The BBC’s Match of the Day presenter also revealed he did not speak to the England captain after Kane criticised pundits who criticised his team and urged them to show “responsibility”.

Lineker, who has admitted he wants nothing more than to see England win the European Championship, was one of many football commentators and pundits to criticise the performance of Gareth Southgate’s side during the group stage of the tournament.

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast about his analysis of England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, the 63-year-old had said: ‘I mean, you can use all sorts of words and insults if you want, but it was s***. Was it tactically inept? It’s really hard to criticise Gareth Southgate because generally in the England role he’s turned the tide for England in many ways.’

However, the BBC expert has now clarified what he meant by the statement. In an interview with The guardLineker said: ‘I’m a bit screwed by it.

Harry Kane (pictured) hit back at Lineker and other pundits who were critical of England’s performance at Euro 2024

‘I never said Harry Kane or England were shit. I listened back to make sure.

‘I said “it” was s***, “it” is the game. But it goes to Harry as “Gary Lineker says you were s***,” which is a bit naughty. But I think these guys get it.’

When asked if he had spoken to Kane, he said he did not have the England star’s phone number, before revealing that he had never met the Bayern Munich striker before.

‘Actually, have I ever met him? I don’t think so. I don’t think I’ve ever met him face to face. Alan [Shearer] has his number and may have sent him a message.’

“I have a huge amount of respect for him,” Lineker added, speaking of the England captain. “I love him: he’s one of England’s best ever footballers, our best goalscorer.

“But there’s nothing wrong with him not playing the full 90 minutes. You’ve got a good option with someone like Ollie Watkins, whose game is all about running at the back.”

Some have questioned whether Southgate should drop Kane for Sunday’s final, with Mail Sport columnist Graeme Souness urging the England manager to drop Kane for Watkins.

England have faced criticism over their performance at Euro 2024 despite reaching the final

But Lineker has praised Kane, saying he has ‘huge respect for him’ but added there is ‘nothing wrong with him not playing the full 90 minutes’.

Lineker (pictured) added that he understands where Kane is coming from based on his own experiences representing England

Following Lineker’s dig, Kane hit out at a host of pundits and commentators who criticised his team’s performance.

“I would never want to be disrespectful to any player, especially a player who has worn the shirt and knows what it’s like to play for England,” Kane said at a press conference.

‘But what ex-players who are now analysts have to realize is that it’s very difficult not to listen to it now, especially for some of the players who are not used to it or for players who are new to this environment.

“I always feel like they have a responsibility. I know they have to be honest and give their opinion, but they also have a responsibility as a former England player.

“The bottom line is that we haven’t won anything as a country in a long time. A lot of these players have been in that game and they know how hard it is.”

Responding to Kane’s press conference, Lineker stressed that journalists were to blame for the escalation of the feud.

“We’ve talked about this before on this podcast, about journalists not being brave enough to ask their own questions,” he said on The Rest is Football podcast, following Kane’s comments.

Lineker added that he has ‘huge respect for the England star’

Kane can now win the Golden Boot at this summer’s European Championships if he outscores Spaniard Dani Olmo on Sunday

“I can guarantee you that whoever asked that would probably have been critical themselves. I think they do it A) to stir things up and B) because they’re too afraid to ask the questions themselves.

‘I get it and it puzzles Harry, but I thought he gave a pretty good answer, with a few points in it. But it’s not easy to answer a question like that.’

Despite concerns raised about England’s performance at Euro 2024, Southgate’s team have reached the final of Euro 2024.

The Spanish team awaits them and has been one of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far.

England, however, performed even better in the semi-final against the Netherlands. Ollie Watkins came on late in the second half to replace Kane, with the Aston Villa star scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute to send England through to the final.

Although Kane has failed to match his Bayern Munich form this season, he is England’s top scorer at Euro 2024 and could win the tournament’s Golden Boot title this summer if he can surpass Spaniard Dani Olmo, who is level with the England captain on three goals.