Figures within the England camp took a dim view of Gary Lineker's explanation for his criticism of the side prior to their 2-1 defeat to Spain on Sunday, reports say.
The Three Lions were outplayed during the match in Berlin, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal winning the trophy for Luis de la Fuente's team.
England were truthfully lucky to have made the final in the first place, having often struggled for consistency during the competition.
They didn't really click as a team, instead often relying on individual brilliance to muddle their way through.
England figures are unhappy with Gary Lineker with details surfacing following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on Sunday night
GETTY/REUTERS
Lineker was outspoken in his criticism of England during the tournament on his Rest in Football podcast.
Prior to the defeat, however, the 63-year-old claimed to have been 'shafted' - insisting he never called England 's**t' earlier in the tournament.
He told The Guardian: “I got shafted a bit with that.
"I never said that either Harry Kane or England were s**t. I listened back to make sure.
"I said ‘it’ was s**t, ‘it’ being the game. But it goes to Harry as ‘Gary Lineker says you were s**t’, which is a bit naughty."
JUST IN: Gary Lineker rubs salt into England wounds after Spain Euro 2024 final defeat
Now, however, the Daily Mail say figures within the England camp took a 'dim view' of Lineker's recent comments.
The BBC presenter was prevented from interviewing Gareth Southgate prior to the final, with colleague Kelly Sommers given the job instead.
Southgate has been a class act throughout his eight-year stint as manager of the side.
However, it's currently unclear what the future holds for the 53-year-old.
Speaking after the result, Southgate said he would speak to the 'right people' before making a final decision on whether to stay or go.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer makes feelings clear on Gareth Southgate after England lose to Spain in Euro 2024 final
The FA would like the former Middlesbrough boss to sign a new contract that would run until after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But Southgate wasn't in the mood to discuss the subject after losing his second European Championships final.
"I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that," he said.
"I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now."
In his post-match press conference, Southgate added: "I totally understand the question and know you need to ask it but I need to have those conversations with important people behind the scenes and not discuss publicly.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
England boss Gareth Southgate looks on following his side's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on Sunday night
REUTERS
"Without a doubt, England have some fabulous players and have experience of tournaments.
"Many of this squad will be around in two, four, six or eight years’ time.
"We have been consistently back in the matches that matter. It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do."
Alan Shearer has also faced criticism for his attacks on England and their performances out in Germany.
But while he's full of praise for Southgate and the job he's done during his time in the dugout, he does feel England are 'better than what they've shown us' at the tournament.
England were beaten by the better team in their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on Sunday
REUTERS
"When Gareth started off, England were in big trouble," he said.
"He has taken us from the very bottom and taken us to a team that are almost successful.
"But that was three years ago and the players have got better and with that, expectations have got higher. Unfortunately you have to deal with that.
"Getting to finals when you have got the quality of players like England have and not winning it, is not going to be good enough.
"They have got a togetherness, they have got a steeliness, but I think they are better than what they have shown us."
