Gary Lineker delivered a withering four-word dismissal of Harry Maguire’s assessment of Harry Kane’s competitive mindset during Tuesday’s episode of the Rest is Football on Netflix.
When Maguire suggested England’s captain was not preoccupied with matching the World Cup goal tallies of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, the former Three Lions striker responded bluntly: “I think that’s b******ks,” before breaking into laughter.
The exchange came just hours before England’s second Group L fixture against Ghana this evening.
Joe Cole, also appearing on the programme, had noted Lineker’s sceptical expression, quipping about a “strikers’ union” mentality among former frontmen.
Gary Lineker branded Harry Maguire’s claim on Harry Kane as “b******s”
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RESTISFOOTBALL
Maguire defended his position, insisting Kane’s approach to goalscoring differs fundamentally from the intense rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He will be watching it, but he’s not the type of player – he’s so humble – I don’t think he’s thinking ‘he’s scored, I’ve got to score’,” the Manchester United defender explained.
“I don’t think he’s one of those who focuses on other people. He’s such a team player.”
The centre-back, who missed selection for England’s World Cup squad this summer, maintained that Kane prioritises collective success over personal accolades.
“He loves scoring goals, you don’t score that many goals without loving scoring goals. But I don’t think he’s too fussed around other players whereas, you know, Ronaldo, Messi: they’ve always been competing and things like that,” Maguire added.
Kane currently sits on two goals following England’s commanding 4-2 victory over Croatia in their tournament opener.
The race for the Golden Boot has intensified, with Messi leading all scorers on five goals for Argentina.
France’s Mbappe has found the net four times, level with Norway’s Erling Haaland in the standings.
England’s captain will have the opportunity to close the gap when the Three Lions face Ghana at their Group L encounter this evening.
The podcast debate has thrust additional scrutiny onto Kane’s performance, with Lineker’s forthright rejection of Maguire’s view generating considerable attention ahead of kick-off.
Wayne Rooney offered insight into the contrasting mentalities of elite strikers following Messi’s hat-trick earlier in the tournament.
Speaking on BBC ahead of Portugal’s opening fixture, the former England captain suggested Ronaldo would have been “raging, in a good way” after watching his long-time rival’s treble.
“That’s how he’s pushed himself, that’s his mentality. Everything is a challenge to him,” Rooney observed. “Over the years, him and Messi have pushed each other to reach these levels.”
Ronaldo, however, failed to register a goal as Portugal were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.