Gary Lineker didn't mince his words when commenting on England's Euro 2024 defeat to Spain, taking a sharp dig at the team and manager Gareth Southgate.
After Nico Williams put Spain ahead and Cole Palmer levelled the score, Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner sealed a 2-1 victory for Spain, leaving England's major trophy drought unbroken since 1966.
BBC presenter Lineker offered a terse summary of the match's outcome: "It is a victory for attacking football." He also hinted that this could mark the end of Southgate's tenure as the manager of the Three Lions.
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Speaking with ITV after the game, Southgate sidestepped questions about his future, stating, "I don't think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I've got to talk to the right people. It's not for now.."
However, Lineker speculated that Southgate might be ready to step down, saying, "I suspect Gareth Southgate may have had enough. It is a tough, grueling job." Echoing this sentiment, former England forward Alan Shearer said, "I suspect it will be Southgate's last game.
"From where he took over and where they are now. There will be great disappointment at home. Yes, we could have played more attacking football but they have got to the final. But when you are here, you have got to get over the line.
"The reality is he got us to a final three years ago and got us to a final here, and hasn't won. That will hurt him and maybe he will think it's time for someone else."
England sensation Jude Bellingham has opened up about his deep respect for Gareth Southgate, amidst discussions of the manager's future. "For me, it's down to the manager and what the FA decide. I've got nothing but respect for Gareth giving me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home.
"He is someone who, I think, in the last year or two as well, our relationship's kind of gone a little bit past football, where I feel like I can open up to him a lot and I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is as well. Whatever happens with Gareth, I'll always respect him.
"If he stays, then I'll be even more determined to win something for him because he deserves it. Sometimes the numbers and the kind of statistics, the records don't lie, he's been our most successful manager since 1966. So whatever he decides, he will always have my respect and my love."
Liverpool.com says: Gareth Southgate has done a fine job with England but it does appear that his tenure may have run its course. Spain were the better side in the final and deserved their win but there are questions over England's approach, given the attacking players at Southgate's disposal.
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