The FA reportedly see Gary Lineker’s podcast as a ‘threat to player morale’ ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland on Saturday night.
The Three Lions have been inconsistent at the tournament so far, with Lineker among their biggest critics.
He dubbed them ‘s**t’ after a 1-1 draw with Denmark on matchday two, with Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate forced to provide answers on the subject in the days that followed.
Lineker often airs his views on his Stick to Football podcast alongside pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The FA reportedly see Gary Lineker’s podcast as a ‘threat to player morale’ ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland on Saturday night
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According to The Times, England see Lineker’s podcast as the ‘biggest challenge in terms of handling negative media around the team’.
It’s said communications staff ‘wait in trepidation’ for whatever he has to say.
Figures within the England camp think Lineker’s outspoken comments are creating ‘gloom’ as they struggle to get going.
While they remain unbeaten, they’ve been inconsistent in all four of their fixtures – beating Serbia and Slovakia while drawing with Denmark and Slovenia.
Lineker doesn’t promote his podcast while working for the BBC.
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There is a sense, however, that he’s becoming more outspoken because he could leave the broadcaster next year.
He has just one year left on his deal with the BBC, having worked for them since 1999.
As for England, they’re currently just three matches away from ending 58 years of hurt despite the criticism they’ve endured.
And Southgate is expected to tweak with his formation as they look to put the Swiss to the sword.
Jordan Pickford is primed to start behind a back three consisting of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka could start at wing-back, with Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo in the heart of midfield.
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden will reportedly play as No 10s.
And Harry Kane will start up top after scoring the winner against Slovakia on Sunday.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin, however, has claimed his side have nothing to fear as they look to spring a surprise.
“We are in good shape,” he said.
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“We have a lot of self-confidence and we have shown that in several games that we can play against big teams.
“We played against the defending champions, we played well against the hosts.
“We will cause problems for England.”
He did admit, however, that guiding his team through will be a tough task.
“It’s not just Harry Kane that we have to stop,” he said.
Gary Lineker has been brutal on England at Euro 2024 so far this summer
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“We have to stop the entire English team. They have a lot of quality.
“We know how dangerous and difficult it can be but we have been good at defending during this tournament.”
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