The Three Lions boss has come under regular criticism throughout the tournament in Germany but has managed to silence plenty of his doubters by guiding his country to another Euros final – with a clash against Spain on Sunday on the horizon.
Guiding England to their first trophy since 1966 would be the perfect way for Southgate to have the last laugh this summer – particularly at the expense of Lineker, one of his loudest critics.
The BBC presenter has questioned Southgate’s tactics frequently over the past few weeks. So much so that some members of staff at the broadcasting company have become ‘embarrassed’ by the situation, reports The Telegraph.
Those who deal with the England boss frequently are said to feel ‘uncomfortable’ with how Lineker has spoken about Southgate during their time in Germany, especially after the ex-Three Lions skipper tore the team apart on his The Rest Is Football podcast after England’s goalless draw with Denmark.
Lineker said: “You can think of all sorts of words and expletives if you like, but it was s***. 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?
Gareth Southgate has been widely criticised by pundits (Image: Getty)
“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.”
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Ollie Watkins' late goal against the Netherlands secured England a spot in the final (Image: Getty)
Southgate has insisted that he has not been affected by the outside noise, though his recent comments about how everyone wants to be ‘loved’ may suggest that some of the criticism has slipped through the net.
But Lineker has not stood down from his stance on the matter and per the report has opted not to attempt to ‘clear the air’, despite England’s progression to the final. It remains to be seen whether it will have an implication on Sunday’s broadcast though, especially when Southgate is likely to be interviewed post-match.