Gary Lineker’s ’embarrassing’ trait called out after Harry Kane remark | Football | Sport
Gary Lineker was roasted by Micah Richards on the Netflix Rest is Football show (Image: Netflix/The Rest is Football)
Harry Kane matched yet another Gary Lineker milestone with his strike in England‘s 3-2 victory over Mexico — and Micah Richards wasted no time in having a gentle dig at his colleague. The 32-year-old converted from the penalty spot to register his sixth goal in a World Cup knockout match, drawing level with Lineker on the all-time list for the Three Lions. It marks the latest instalment in a succession of records Kane has taken from Lineker.
His vital goal arrived in his 119th outing for his nation, with the Bayern Munich forward now boasting 85 goals for England. Lineker, by contrast, amassed a commendable 48 goals across 80 caps throughout his distinguished international stint. Kane surpassed Lineker’s benchmark to become England’s all-time leading World Cup marksman when he netted in the 2-0 triumph against Panama during the group phase. And it seems that witnessing Kane inscribe his name into the history books once more at his expense has left its mark on the legendary striker-turned-broadcaster, 65.
Lineker presented another instalment of The Rest is Football on Netflix alongside reporter Alex Aljoe, rapper Aitch and former USA international Brad Friedel. Richards and his fellow Manchester City and England colleague Joe Hart appeared via video link from the UK.
He opened proceedings by saying: “Harry Kane tonight equalled another record of mine tonight, Micah. Most knockout goals, he’s now equalled six knockout goals. It took him two games longer [than me], but that’s all right!”
While the comment was delivered with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek, Richards joked that Lineker was becoming excessively self-absorbed by referencing his achievements: “Seriously Gary, it’s getting embarrassing now! Have a night off, will you?” he said.
Micah Richards took aim at his colleague (Image: Netflix/The Rest is Football)
“‘The Rest is Gary Lineker ‘, just do your own pod and talk about yourself for the whole 40 minutes,” added Richards, with his remarks prompting laughter from his guests Hart, Aljoe, Aitch and Friedel.
Lineker responded with an expletive-laden retort: “I can’t help having so many f***ing records, Micah! But they’re all going, okay?”, triggering further laughter inside the studio.
Richards launched into a chant beloved of England supporters and his teasing forced Lineker to turn off the television broadcasting the stream. The former Manchester City defender subsequently reappeared on the screen as they continued exchanging banter and breaking into sporadic laughter.
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With six goals in the competition so far, Kane now trails Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland by just one goal in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. That contest will intensify in the quarter-finals when England face Norway on Saturday following their memorable victory at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico.
Despite thunderstorms pushing kick-off back by an hour and England competing at the unusual altitude of over 7,000ft above sea level, Thomas Tuchel’s men seized control of the last-16 clash. Jude Bellingham netted twice in quick succession during the opening period, before Julian Quinones pulled one back on 42 minutes.
In a thrilling contest, Jarell Quansah saw red for a reckless challenge on Jesus Gallardo, placing England’s advantage in jeopardy. But Kane, as he has done so frequently for his nation, converted from the penalty spot to give the 10 men some vital breathing space at 3-1.
That was until VAR determined the skipper had committed a foul inside his own area and Raul Jimenez stepped up to make it 3-2. Despite withstanding sustained late pressure from Mexico, England hung on to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
