In a candid admission, Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that the England players agreed with Gary Lineker’s controversial assessment of their performances in Euro 2024 as “s***”. Lineker had criticized England’s display in a 1-1 draw against Denmark during the group stage on his podcast, The Rest is Football, which didn’t sit well with captain Harry Kane.
Kane responded by emphasizing the responsibility of former England players in the media when discussing the national team, urging them to be more supportive. However, Alexander-Arnold has disclosed that many players in the camp actually agreed with Lineker’s criticism and used it as motivation to improve their game throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing as runners-up to Spain.
“We were all aware of Lineker’s comments and felt the truth behind them,” said the Liverpool star to The Daily Mirror. “Deep down, we knew we could perform better. While it’s never pleasant for someone to point out our flaws, we were already aware of them ourselves.”
He added, “We knew we had to step up our game. Some players may have even used Lineker’s criticism as fuel to drive their performances.”
This revelation sheds light on the mindset within the England camp during Euro 2024. It highlights the self-awareness and determination of the players to rectify their shortcomings and prove their critics wrong. As they continue to strive for success on the international stage, this experience will undoubtedly serve as a valuable lesson for future tournaments.
In conclusion, Alexander-Arnold’s candid admission provides insight into the England players’ response to Lineker’s criticism. It demonstrates their willingness to acknowledge their faults and use them as motivation for improvement. With this mindset, England will undoubtedly continue to grow and evolve in their pursuit of glory.
