Gary Lineker brands Germany's World Cup squad among weakest, Kai Havertz shrugs off criticism

Former England striker Gary Lineker told French newspaper L'Equipe that the current German national team is “one of the weakest German sides I’ve ever seen”, adding that Germany is “living off its past” and that they missed the group stage in the two previous World Cups. He also said France would reach the quarter‑finals without any trouble if they were to meet Germany.

Germany topped Group E with six points and will face Paraguay in the round‑of‑32. Before the match, striker Kai Havertz responded at a press conference, saying “everyone can have their own opinion, I have no problem with that” and that he “doesn’t care” about criticism from abroad. He noted that the squad already deals with many pundits and will stay focused on the game.

The comments come as Germany prepares for a potential quarter‑final clash with France, while Lineker’s remarks have sparked debate in the media about the team’s form and expectations at the tournament.