Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has dismissed stinging criticism from England legend Gary Lineker regarding Germany’s World Cup form, insisting the squad pays little heed to external observers as they prepare for their Round of 32 tie against Paraguay.
The former England striker described Julian Nagelsmann’s side as “one of the weakest” German teams he has witnessed and suggested France would overcome them “without any trouble” should the sides meet in the round of 16. Lineker offered this bleak assessment to French publication L’Équipe despite Germany having finished top of Group E to secure their knockout place.
Havertz unmoved by overseas pundits
Addressing media at a press conference ahead of the Paraguay fixture, Havertz brushed aside Lineker’s comments. The 27-year-old indicated that with numerous domestic experts already scrutinising the team, additional criticism from abroad serves little purpose.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I didn’t even notice it myself,” Havertz said. He observed that tournament football naturally generates increased commentary, but suggested such discussions rarely penetrate the squad’s bubble.
Havertz highlighted that Germany possesses sufficient internal pundits, remarking that when foreign commentators add their voices, “at some point it’s enough”. He noted that criticising from a distance requires little effort, adding that such remarks hold no interest for him whatsoever.
Knockout stage challenge
Germany’s progression as Group E winners sets up the encounter with Paraguay. Success in that fixture would advance Nagelsmann’s side to a potential last-16 clash with France, precisely the scenario Lineker referenced when casting doubt on Germany’s competitiveness.
The Arsenal attacker and his teammates now face the task of converting their group-stage momentum into knockout success, using on-pitch performances to counter the narrative that they lack the quality of previous German generations.