England captain Harry Kane has been applauded for his “classy” response after a number of high-profile pundits took aim at his team’s start to Euro 2024.
The response comes after England‘s admittedly reserved opening performances, beating Serbia 1-0 but failing to be ruthless following the early goal and drawing 1-1 against Denmark whilst playing similarly defensive for most of the game.
Understandably, fans and pundits alike haven’t been overly impressed with their start to the Euros; most notably Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker said that “Kane needs to do better” on BBC coverage. The latter also summed up England’s showing in the second game as “sh*t” on The Rest Is Football podcast.
However, Kane hasn’t let the criticism go unanswered, issuing a short but sweet reply to pundits following the early verdict on Gareth Southgate‘s side this far, urging them to think twice and just “remember” what it’s like to be in that situation.
Gary Lineker called England's performance against Denmark 'shit'.
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 23, 2024
Insisting that he’ll never be “disrespectful to any player, especially a player who has worn the shirt and knows what it is like to play for England,” he couldn’t have put it better, simply stating: “Remember what it’s like to wear the shirt”.
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Level-headed from the skipper – who was already one of the first to admit that he knows England haven’t been at their very best – and it seems that rather than doubling down on the criticism, a lot of fans found his response pretty pitch-perfect.
Popular footy account, The 44, called it “a very classy response from our country’s captain”, while another added: “Excellent response from Harry Kane to be fair.”
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Author Hashi Mohamed went on to say: “Kane is often portrayed as thick. But this thoughtful response to former players and now pundits is very thoughtful. Lineker and the others have a responsibility to build up not tear down. Be honest but be constructive too. They’re still human beings.
On the other hand, not everyone was so convinced by the Bayern Munich striker’s words, with many stating that the talking just needs to be done on the pitch.
That Harry Kane press conference is verging onto implosion stuff.
You don't play well, you get criticism.
Kane, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Rice, Alexander-Arnold are showered with huge praise most of the time.
The only response should be a desire to prove them wrong. #England
Kane did go on to add that “what ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise it is very hard not to listen to it now” in the age of social media and it’s “tough” enough to represent your country without having to hear that from your peers and role models.
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He also warned them to be extra mindful of the younger players “who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment.”
England take on Slovenia tomorrow (Tuesday, 25 June) at 8pm and although they are likely to qualify with the four points they already have, singing off the group stages with a win would do wonders for their own confidence and across the nation.
Whatever you’ve made of Southgate and the boys so far, there aren’t many times when the whole country gets to unite in support of one thing and at the end of the day, you have to back them – and when they feel that support behind them, maybe they’ll start to play how we know they can.
Featured Images — The Rest Is Football (via YouTube)TNT Sports/BBC Sport
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Manchester City finally release special Year of the Horse collection for Lunar celebrations
Danny Jones
Manchester City have officially launched their new ‘Year of the Horse’ kit, along with several other items in their latest lifestyle range.
The collection, which has been released as part of the Lunar New Year Celebrations, was leaked online in late 2025 before being officially teased earlier this year, but now Man City have fully unveiled the limited edition clothing items.
It follows the commercial success of their previous Chinese New Year-inspired kits and wider fashion lines over the last few seasons.
For anyone not up to speed on their Zodiac calendar knowledge, 2026 is officially (you guessed it) the year of the horse, hence this choice for the new ‘Capsule Collection’.
“Set in earthy, neutral tones, the limited-edition Year of the Horse Capsule Collection captures both the stillness of vintage Chinese portraiture and the motion of a team in full stride.”
Revolving around a grey and almost beige colour palette, the full drop includes a new pre-match ‘Anthem’ jacket, a dark graphic design tee, a baseball cap, as well as a soft horse plushie.
The focal point, however, is obviously the jersey itself – though it remains to be confirmed whether or not the special seasonal strip will be worn in any games this campaign as other one-off/special limited edition shirts have been in the past.
The price points range from £15 for the soft toy to £90 for the adult shirt, with the aforementioned Puma KING Anthem zip-up jacket already available in six colours.
What do you make of the latest lifestyle collection, Blues?
Somewhat fittingly, the Year of the Horse and other items finally debuted on the same day that their local rivals across the other side of town, Manchester United, released some new threads of their own: the second Adidas x The Stone Roses collection.
As for this years Lunar celebrations, the official plans for here in Manchester city centre have now been revealed. You can find out more down below.
Stockport County confirm signing of new striker Adama Sidibeh
Danny Jones
Stockport County Football Club have officially unveiled the signing of new striker, Adama Sidibeh, from St Johnstone FC.
This comes after weeks of uncertainty over whether or not the deal for the forward was going to be done, despite his medical having already been passed.
Sidibeh was linked with a move from the Scottish Premiership quite early in the January transfer window, and the transfer fee had already reportedly been agreed, but there was apparently to be some contention over personal terms.
However, it seems the impasse has now been overcome and a full agreement reached, with the Hatters finally announcing the completion of his deal on Tuesday, 27 January.
As you can see, the Gambian international is no stranger to England nor the North West, having moved back to the UK to be with his family in 2022, before going on to join local Stockport club Cheadle Heath Nomads in 2022.
Moving on to nearby Cheshire outfit Warrington Rylands FC the following season, he continued to prove himself as a quick and consistent goal threat, ultimately sealing a switch to The Saints in 2024.
Sidibeh’s transfer fee from St Johnstone to SCFC remains undisclosed.
Penning a two-and-a-half-year contract, the latest County recruit is the third signing of the January transfer window so far, following the most recent arrival of Josh Dacres-Cogley from Bolton Wanderers earlier this month.
Having been given the number 26, he is the latest offensive reinforcement at Edgeley Park as they look to enjoy a fairly ‘aggressive’ window, as promised.
Speaking on his new home in a club statement, the 27-year-old said: “I’m so excited to be [sitting] here now as a Stockport County player.
“It’s a town and a club I already know so well from my time at Nomads, which made it an easy decision for me and my family to come here once we heard that County were interested.
“I can’t wait to get going now, to start my career in the Football League and to play in front of 10,000 fans at Edgeley Park. I’ve worked very hard to get to this place in my career since moving to England, and will work even harder now I’m here to help the team as we go for promotion.”
As for his new manager, Dave Challinor made it clear they were keen to capitalise on his contract running out, adding that apart from being a bit of a late bloomer in pro football, “he’s a real hard worker that provides real intensity in his press. and really wants to threaten defenders both in and out of possession.”
“He’s scored all types of goals at every level he’s played at, but this will, without doubt, be a step up for him” – it just remains to be seen how he’ll take to the League One and wider EFL challenge.
Danny Jones -
24th June 2024 
