Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have strongly denied claims that their criticism during the European Championship influenced Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down as England manager.
Both had voiced concerns over England’s performance in the early rounds of the tournament, which many felt fell short of expectations.
Among the critics, Lineker’s harsh remarks about England’s group stage performance drew significant attention.
He described the team’s showing as ‘s***,’ but later clarified that he wasn’t specifically labeling England as such.
During a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker acknowledged that perhaps it was time for ‘someone else’ to take over.
He emphasized that his criticism was meant to be fair, and admitted that a change might be beneficial, possibly even for Southgate’s well-being given the pressures of the role.
Reactions to the Departure
Both Lineker and Richards have agreed that Southgate’s departure was a necessary decision.
Lineker maintained that their critiques were honest and constructive, and not the reason behind Southgate’s exit.
He criticized the notion that their comments could be linked to his resignation, calling it an unfair attempt to drive a wedge between the critics and the management.
Richards supported this view, praising Southgate for his achievements and stating that the decision was indeed the right one for the future.
Southgate’s Legacy and Resignation
Southgate’s resignation was not unexpected, as his contract with the Football Association was set to expire later this year.
The FA has begun the search for his successor, facing the challenge of filling the shoes of one of England’s most successful managers.
Under Southgate, England saw notable success, including two European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final, and a quarter-final.
His tenure included a high win rate and impressive statistics, with only 18 losses in 102 matches.
Southgate’s Farewell
In his resignation statement, Southgate expressed his pride and honor in managing England, highlighting the support he received from his team and the FA.
He praised his assistant, Steve Holland, and the players, noting their dedication and the exciting young talent within the squad.
Southgate concluded with heartfelt thanks to the backroom staff, fans, and everyone involved in his journey.
He remains a passionate England supporter and looks forward to witnessing future successes.
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