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 has claimed he 'got shafted' for his jibe that England 'were s***' against Denmark but has clarified his comments, claiming that he was referring to the game as 's***' rather than the Three Lions or Harry Kane.

The BBC Match of the Day presenter has also revealed that he has not spoken to the England captain after Kane had hit back at pundits who have criticised his team, urging them to show 'responsibility'.

Lineker, who has admitted that he wants nothing more than to watch England win the European Championship, was one of several football commentators and pundits to criticise Gareth Southgate's side's form during the group stages of the tournament.

On his analysis of England's 1-1 draw against Denmark, the 63-year-old had said on the Rest Is Football podcast: 'I mean, you can think of all sorts of words and expletives if you like, but it was s***. Was it tactically inept? It's really hard to be critical of Gareth Southgate because, overall in the England role, he's turned England's fortunes around in many ways.'

Yet, the BBC pundit has now clarified what he meant by the statement. In an interview with The Guardian, Lineker said: 'I got shafted a bit with that.

'I never said that either Harry Kane or England were shit. I listened back to make sure. 

'I said "it" was shit, "it" being the game. But it goes to Harry as "Gary Lineker says you were shit," which is a bit naughty. But I think these guys get it.'

When asked if he had spoken to Kane, he said that he did not have the England star's phone number, before stating that he had not previously met the Bayern Munich striker.

'Actually, have I ever met him? I don’t think I have. I don’t think I’ve ever come face-to-face with him. Alan [Shearer] has his number and might have messaged him.'

Despite the concerns that have been voiced over England's performances at Euro 2024, Southgate's sidehave still progressed to the final of Euro 2024. 

Awaiting them, is a firing hot Spain side who have been one of the most impressive teams at the tournament so far. 

England, though, stepped up their performance in their semi-final clash against the Netherlands, with Ollie Watkins coming on to replace Kane late in the second-half, before the Aston Villa star scored a 90th minute winner to send England through to the final.

Despite having failed to live up to his form with Bayern Munich this season, Kane is England's leading goal scorer at Euro 2024 and can clinch the tournament's Golden Boot title this summer, if he can find the back of the net on Sunday night.  

'I have massive respect for him,' Lineker added, speaking on the England captain. 'I love him: he’s one of England’s greatest-ever footballers, our greatest goalscorer.

'But there’s nothing wrong with him not playing the whole 90 minutes and you have a great option with someone like Ollie Watkins whose game is about running behind.'

More to follow...