Frank Lampard delivers verdict on criticism of England's performances at Euro 2024, as he backs Harry Kane for showing 'grit' with his response to Gary Lineker's scathing assessment of display against Denmark

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Former England midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed his thoughts on criticism of England's displays in their opening two games at Euro 2024.

The Three Lions have picked up four points out of a possible six and have already qualified for the last-16 ahead of this evening's final group game against Slovenia, but they have failed to convince against Serbia and Denmark.

Gary Lineker labelled the performance against Denmark 's***', leading to Harry Kane hitting back at the BBC presenter, as he urged ex-players to remember what it was like to wear the national shirt.

Lampard, who earned 106 international caps, has now delivered his verdict on the criticism, and conceded that there are multiple parts of England's game that have been concerning, but called for the players to stick together and block out any outside noise.  

Addressing England being criticised, Lampard told the BBC: 'This is so normal. We all care about the England team. After the 30 minutes against Serbia, since then it's been visibly difficult for the team. 

Frank Lampard has responded to criticism of England's performances at Euro 2024

Gary Lineker labelled England's performance against Denmark as 's***'

England captain Harry Kane hit back at Lineker, and Lampard said he liked the 'grit' Kane showed with his response to criticism

The out-of-possession thing with the pressing, I think the strategy of it has been slightly off. That's something that they need to address. 

The in-possession thing, at times I don't think it's the cleanest thing for us to build from back to front. I do think if you don't have possession of the ball and keep it, you can quickly lose control of the game. 

'But whatever we [pundits] say is irrelevant, it's about what's happening within the camp. [They should be thinking] "let's show what we can do".'

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Kane was measured with his reply to Lineker's scathing review of England's latest performance at a press conference on Sunday.

He made it clear he was standing by his team-mates, though, and Lampard insisted he was pleased with how the England captain spoke.  

'I think it shows a bit of grit, that's what we need,' Lampard added. 

'A little bit of a reaction there, harnessed in the right way, it's good. I like that he spoke that way.'

Lampard was joined on the BBC punditry team by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, and the former pinpointed the area of the pitch that he wants to see improvements in England's final group game against Slovenia tonight. 

'In terms of the attack, we've been pretty dreadful in the final third,' Shearer said bluntly. 

Alan Shearer believes England have been 'pretty dreadful' in attack and must improve

Micah Richards expects Conor Gallagher to improve England's pressing, but is not convinced the Chelsea midfielder will be a major asset when the side have the ball

'That has to improve massively, and I'm sure it will. There has been talk of one or two changes, and when it's not working there has to be.'

Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield is expected to be the only change to Southgate's XI tonight, and Richards believes this will not improve the team in possession, but will make a difference to England's pressing off the ball.

'I don't think it will improve things on the ball,' he said. He's [Gallagher's] good in the 8 and the 10 the way he presses. 

'Getting Bellingham, Foden or Saka on the ball early, I don't think he brings that, but in terms of pressing, I think he brings that for sure.'