Lineker sends crystal clear message to Southgate after England comeback

Gary Lineker has echoed the thoughts of many up and down the nation as he hailed England for backing their attack, rather than rely on their defence.

Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions have been accused of being unnecessarily negative, especially in major tournaments. England are blessed with a host of attacking talents, so much so that several big names often miss out on the starting XI - such are the options available.

England came into their clash with Germany at Wembley on the back of five games without a win - and looked set to make that six when the visitors were 2-0 up midway through the second-half. However, the hosts - who had been without a goal from open play for over five hours, began to play with much more flair.

It culminated in them scoring three times in 12 minutes to turn the game on its head. Luke Shaw halved the deficit before Mason Mount levelled the contest after a sensational Bukayo Saka run. Harry Kane then put England ahead from the penalty spot after a VAR check.

Germany ended up equalising through Kai Havertz, but Lineker was full of praise for the way the team backed themselves instead of sitting back. He tweeted: "When @england are forced into playing to their strengths (attacking), they look a good side. When they play to cover their weaknesses (defending), they look a poor side."

England's defence was again exposed at the home of football as they failed to keep a clean sheet once more. Southgate has kept faith with several established names, despite their lack of form and minutes. One of those is Harry Maguire, whose poorly timed challenge gifted Germany a penalty, which they converted.

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Southgate has previously defended his tactics, which have been criticised for being too conservative, saying: "Look, I've got to find a balance because I don't want to sit and be defensive but some people have managed teams and others haven't.

"Of course, for the man who comes and stands on the terrace and in old terms pays his money, I totally understand he wants to see a [Jack] Grealish with a [Raheem] Sterling, with a Saka, but you've got to have a balance of the team, this is top-level football.

"I think that balance of the team to get to a semi-final and final has been pretty good and maybe we've talked for years about why we haven't got there. I've got to manage in the way I see fit."

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