Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has hit back at Gary Lineker after the former England captain labelled Germany 'one of the weakest sides I've ever seen' ahead of their World Cup round of 32 match against Paraguay.
Havertz Unfazed by Lineker's Criticism
Speaking to French outlet L'Equipe, Lineker said: 'I think that this is one of the weakest Germany sides I've ever seen. France should reach the quarter-finals without any trouble. Germany are living off their past. Just remember that they didn't even make it out of the group stage at the last two World Cups. So I think you can all sleep easy.'
When informed of Lineker's comments before Germany's match against Paraguay, Havertz shrugged off the criticism. 'Everyone can have their own opinion. I have no problem with that,' the 27-year-old said. 'I didn't even read what he said. At a tournament like this, a lot of people start talking about you. I don't think anyone is really listening to that.'
Havertz added: 'We already have many pundits in our country. And if people from other countries start talking as well, then that's enough at some point. It's easy for people to criticise from outside. I'm not interested in that at all.'
Germany's World Cup Campaign So Far
Germany topped Group E after a mixed start, thrashing debutants Curacao 7-1 in their opening match, with Havertz scoring twice. However, they struggled to a narrow win over the Ivory Coast and suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann and captain Manuel Neuer have faced fierce criticism, with rumours of discontent in the camp and growing calls for Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp to take over.
Should Germany beat Paraguay, they are expected to face tournament favourites France in the round of 16. Bookmakers have Germany at 20/1 to win the World Cup, with France favourites at 3/1, followed by Argentina (4/1), England and Spain (both 7/1).
Havertz Acknowledges Room for Improvement
Despite his dismissal of outside criticism, Havertz admitted that Germany's attack has not yet clicked. 'We talk a lot about what can work better and what we need to improve,' he said. 'The three of us [himself, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala] know ourselves that we haven't fully shown what we're capable of up front yet. We have to take responsibility for that.'
Havertz added: 'It takes a bit of time because everyone comes from their clubs to the national team and you have to get used to your teammates. When you are in a major tournament, people talk [but] I don't care what people say, we are focused on ourselves.'
There have been calls for Havertz to be dropped after the last two group games, with substitutes Deniz Undav (three goals and two assists in two appearances) and Nick Woltemade impressing from the bench.
