Mansfield Miracle, Shocking Officiating & Gary and Alan vs Harry Kane

9:58Alan Shearer:it's still general for a presenter you tend to have this it's like slightly weird having done it for a long time, you always go to the person that's nearest to you for the first reaction. Now, Micah always likes to sit on the far end, don't you? Correct. Yes. Why do you like to? Because if you've got an idea about saying something and Alan doesn't say it, but maybe the middle guest does, and then it gets to you, it's like, what do I say now? But you've always got a different angle to come from. Of course.

10:28Micah Richards:You always write down two things that you want to say. Yeah. And I remember I was working with Danny Murphy and I wrote down two things. He said both things. I was like, what was I going to say now? I can't believe this. That's my point. So I asked him a question and thought, I gathered my thoughts and thought, what can I do? Say something interesting. Say something interesting. And then I think I was working with Kelly Cage. He asked an interesting question. And I was like, phew. Because he reads the game really well, Danny Murphy. So you've always got to get in there first if you want to say something.

11:02Micah Richards:but I prefer sitting at the end because when you're in the middle, you feel squashed, you know? Well, you would, yeah. Stretch out and flex it. I like to pretend that I'm the second presenter on the desk, you know? I'm just sitting back, relaxing, see what the presenter says. I'm waiting to see if they mess up or anything just to prop them up a little bit. I wish that was like,

11:25Alan Shearer:you're after my job. I'm sad you didn't get this.

11:29Micah Richards:Do you remember the Euros? This is what you did. we had no strikers on the panel I don't think we did one game a couple of games I think we had Alan was in co-coms and you was the only striker so I thought you know what here's my moment you want to be you want to venture into that presenting type of role but you don't want to be a presenter you just want to ask a few questions so I said Gaz what would you do in that situation and he went on this oh everyone covered it and I thought it was absolutely

11:55Gary Lineker:fantastic how long did it take you to think of that question Gaz what would you do in this situation such a brilliant amazing question

12:03Micah Richards:that took ages to think about it's not about the question it's about the answer and gas delivered

12:09Gary Lineker:I have to tell you also by the way the box for the studio that they used at Villa Park goodness me it must be the worst box for TV in the world you can only see half a pitch can you? honestly it's like you end up watching it on the television in front of you yeah yeah that's why I prefer doing the The court comes because you're up watching it outside the whole pitch.

12:32Alan Shearer:Here's a question for you. The best TV studio in a ground to work at.

12:37Gary Lineker:Ooh. You're very rarely in the middle anyway, are you? You're always at the end of the pitch somewhere, aren't you? There's an obvious winner to this one. Go on.

12:47Alan Shearer:Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs. Yeah, it's Spurs. Really good, that one. I mean, they've got a modern ground, but they've actually the one place that have thought it through and actually gone, this is a really good thing to do. Make it look really good and put it in a good place. So I don't think when they're designing new stadiums, they think of that very often. So at least Spurs got something right. Yeah, so right, here we go. Let's say the officials didn't have a great day in the game between Villa and Newcastle.

13:18Gary Lineker:Yeah, that's been very, very polite. But that happens. We're all allowed a bad day, but let's be honest, guys. Those three yesterday, seriously, how bad were they? I mean, they were terrible. I would say out of five, maybe four big decisions, big decisions, simple decisions, I would say, they got one correct.

13:42Alan Shearer:It's not a bad one out of five. One thing I would say is do you not think they all got together and thought, right, tell you what, let's make a load of shit decisions and then they'll all go, see, VAR's which better? No. I'm joking again. By the way, people don't take that.

13:58Gary Lineker:What's been happening is they've been with VAR since the beginning of the season, refereeing all the Premier Leagues and everything they've had to do. And then they get to that game and all of a sudden they haven't got the comfort blanket that they've been relying on to say, oh, it doesn't really matter if I get it wrong because the VAR will correct me. Well, yesterday, because of that, they were hopeless.

14:21Alan Shearer:But yeah, I mean, surely, Where's the comfort blanket come from? The one that's clearly in the box and he puts his arm... I mean, he did actually give the handball. That would have been the one. Give the handball.

14:31Gary Lineker:The assistant was 12 yards away looking directly at it. Correct.

14:36Alan Shearer:But that can't be about a comfort blanket.

14:38Gary Lineker:Well, he must have thought... Honestly, well, I don't know what he's thinking. You need a big blanket to be that far outside the box. I mean, Dinia should have been sent off for a terrible tackle. The assistant who missed the handball also missed the offside for the goal. Simple decision.

14:55Alan Shearer:Maybe he only could see off the pitch like you in the studio.

14:58Gary Lineker:I'm not sure he can see any of the pitch judging by his decisions. I know it's a hard job and it's a difficult job, but right? We all have a bad day, but come on, guys. They have to be better. They have to do, at this level of football, the importance of it. Luckily, Newcastle won the game, right? Because of the decisions that went against them. But can you imagine if Newcastle hadn't gone through the backlash that would have happened?

15:25Micah Richards:You at halftime, Al, was hilarious. And for full time. I don't know if you watched the coverage, guys, but it was seething. It just wouldn't. It come back to while I'm in the studio. And you still had to get a digging about the refs.

15:39Gary Lineker:It was hilarious. I had to calm. That was me calmed down. You should have seen me during that when the decisions were being made. Or the decisions weren't being made. Whatever. How you wouldn't look at it. Oh, God, I was raging. And the Newcastle fans were right in front of the box as well. And they were obviously going mad and rightly so as well because the assistant referee on the side that we were sat, he did miss another two or three clear offsides as well. They're terrible, do you?

16:04Alan Shearer:You know, we all have bad days. But the one thing I would say is that I'd still take that over VAR. I just, at least it's quick mistakes. I mean, even VAR, they still make mistakes anyway. So it's not really improved it that much. There are things that would have been turned over. And this brings me to the point that I've made 8 ,457 ,603 times about an appeal system. It's the only way out of this. I mean, obviously, they would have appealed straight away, Newcastle. They would have won their appeal, and it would have been happened. We don't look at every fucking goal. We don't look at every corner for trying to find something.

16:42Alan Shearer:We don't do this. We only do it if there's an appeal, and so-and-so says he pushed him, not all try and find us something from a corner or whatever. And it's the only way out of this because VAR is unacceptably slow. It's embarrassing. It's just not helped the game whatsoever. It's actually been the most damaging thing for our sport in my lifetime. And I think I can say that the way it's been done. I don't blame the referees. I don't even blame the VAR people. But because of the nature of it and the fact that we've gone down this thing about high bars and then we put it a bit lower and then it's up again then it's down and we'd say it's become an important part of the game and they said it wasn't going to be a second referee and yes it is it's just not worked it's not worked but the appeals thing is the way out and it will come I guarantee it will come and it can't come soon enough

17:37Gary Lineker:I do feel sorry for the referees believe it or not because I think they've made it they've just made it impossible for them I was for VAR and I and I would just I would just like VAR to be as they told us and they have gone so far from what they told us clear and obvious not going to re-referee maximum benefit minimum interference I mean they have gone so far from that it's incredible so I would like what they actually told us

18:03Alan Shearer:I think that's impossible though unless they go to an appeal system it's the only way out of this the only way I think can we get Howard Webb on again yeah I'm happily having him on I mean we I know I we all have bad days. Referees have bad days. VAR have bad days. Just the pressure from their side, guys, you know? Hardly anyone I know likes VAR. It's because it's so dreadfully slow. And then they've got to go, oh, is it enough of a foul to give a penalty? I mean, what does that even mean? It's either a foul or it's not a foul. But you can't do it because otherwise it's not a clear and obvious ever.

18:38Alan Shearer:I feel sorry for them because it's impossible for them. You can't get it right all the time. They've got no chance under the current guidelines and stuff, but that's why it needs to change. And the appeal system, it stipulates exactly what the players, whoever it is, whether it's the captain or the coach, someone says, right, we're appealing this because so-and-so did so-and-so to so-and-so or so-and-so handboard it. And then they just look at that one incident so it can't take too long. And then they determine whether they're right and it is a foul or not. Now, there'll still be mistakes and there'll still be disagreements, but boy oh boy we won't have this fast that is VAR anyway

19:17Gary Lineker:Newcastle got through to the fifth round lads Tenali Tenali yeah Tenali they were really impressive they weren't so good first half I didn't think I think Villa were the better team deserved to be in front albeit by an offside goal but Newcastle were much better second half better press better energy took the game to Villa against the against their ten men and deserved to go through I thought

19:42Micah Richards:While we're just on Newcastle, Lewis Hall has to start left back for England. I think he will. He's absolutely amazing.

19:50Alan Shearer:Yeah.

19:51Micah Richards:To go from midfield to left back, his spatial awareness, his timing of his challenges, he's good on the ball, he's got good delivery, he's got everything. His performances over the last two months have been outstanding. He's by far the best in terms of that. Luke Shaw's done well since United have been doing well.

20:10Alan Shearer:O 'Reilly is another one. that's a midfield player converted to a left back and now batting midfield. O 'Reilly's probably the only other one that comes close, I would say.

20:18Micah Richards:Yeah, but O 'Reilly's, like you said, been played in midfield, give Man City a lot of energy in that midfield. But yeah, I would say, Luisov.

20:25Gary Lineker:Yeah, I'd agree with that, Micah. Big blow for Newcastle also, Bruno Gamera. She's going to be out for about two months, eight weeks. So yeah. Their results don't go well generally without him. That's a deep concern, isn't it? I think there was 13 before yesterday without him and they only won one game. How do you remedy that? Well, they all have to step up. Tonali did that. We said that before the game yesterday, right? Who is the one that is going to step up and take the captain's place and do what he's done for so many times for Newcastle is either play that killer pass, produce something special to get the result.

20:59Gary Lineker:And Tonali did that yesterday. Tonali.

21:01Alan Shearer:Well, that was going to bring me on to Tonali because, I mean, he was very passionate with his celebrations, wasn't he? Because there's been a few rumours and whispering, hasn't there, Alan, that he wants off. who wants to maybe go back to Italy.

21:13Gary Lineker:I saw that as well. I don't know whether or who it is, whether it's an agency connected with him or not. I don't know. I'm not sure. But judging by his... Because he hasn't hit the heights a lot of times this season from what he did to last season. They were his first goals for ages, weren't they? Yeah. I loved his reaction yesterday. I loved all of the players' reaction, particularly in Spurs when they pushed Eddie Howe forward to the front of the fans. I don't know whether you saw the interview. yesterday but Tenali and Kieran Trippi are both praising Eddie Howe and what he's done and how much they love working with him and all of that and I really enjoyed that and I thought that was great.

21:53Gary Lineker:So I think judging by his reaction then I wouldn't look too serious into it. Yeah, I totally agree.

22:01Micah Richards:I just think he's a top player. I think you talk about someone stepping up. It is a little bit harder because Bruno gets into the box a lot more, doesn't he? If you look at Tenali's finish, he was edge of the box and if he can get the ball to him there, perfect but you'd see Bruno more running into the six yard box getting his goals or whatever it may be or just into the box. But I've always rated him I think he's brilliant and especially after all the betting thing, coming back from that, a lot of people said he's not going to be the same player and yes, his form's not been as good as last but I mean, with his quality, he's always going to get back to his best.

22:36Alan Shearer:Yeah, it was interesting what you said about the support Freddie Howe from the players because you always expect, you know, players will never talk ill of a manager but they went out of their way to say it and that, you could tell it was actually seriously meant. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. I love that. Totally agree. Just before we have a break, we've already discussed this game on a Burnley perspective but I think we should give a shout out massively to Mansfield for their achievements. I know they, you know, you said Burnley missed a few chances and they did but that is still a monumental effort and Nigel Clough in charge there and tell you what he's looking more and more like his dad as he gets older it was an unbelievable

23:16Gary Lineker:free kick wasn't it at the goal yeah it was amazing oh brilliant

23:20Alan Shearer:yeah absolutely brilliant goal from Louis Reed who's been around the houses in the lower leagues but it was a fabulous technique brilliant there was a player

23:28Micah Richards:called Oates as well up front he was very good in the game he was running all over the place his link up play as well got his goal yeah they had some impressive players they did

23:39Alan Shearer:Rhys Oates it's like Rice and Oates I don't know you can't forget that name but brilliant header technically the way to do it fifth round the FA Cup for the first time since 1975 50 50 years 51 years I can see

23:54Gary Lineker:I can just see the pictures tomorrow night when the draw's being made where all those players are all going to be around the TV and hoping for the biggest draw Newcastle at home something like that wouldn't they

24:07Micah Richards:well you're not going to give a little shout out to Volta Marder now you mentioned Newcastle again he scored he kept him on he got his goal you know he played a lot better I thought

24:17Gary Lineker:I mean him and Osula were miles apart in the first half and he was coming far too deep and I'm sure that Eddie must have said something to him at half time instead of going and getting the ball on the 18 yard box where he wasn't going to hurt anyone.

24:32Alan Shearer:It's amazing how we've managed to get back to fucking Newcastle.

24:35Micah Richards:He said Newcastle. I was going for a break. I was going for a break.

24:39Gary Lineker:We were talking about Mansfield. I didn't say Newcastle at home. I just said there'd be one in the biggest draw and get Newcastle at home, wouldn't they?

24:45Alan Shearer:That's what there'd be one. That in itself is ridiculous. But yeah, so Mansfield will be waiting for that draw, but I was going to try and make the point before Newcastle came in again. Sorry. In the Copa del Rey in Spain, the lower league teams always get home dibs which I think because especially now there's no replays I think it's quite a good idea up until what round? every round

25:12Gary Lineker:oh I didn't know that did you know that Micah? no I didn't know that I hope he's right

25:18Micah Richards:check that Harry

25:22Alan Shearer:you obviously get two legs in the semi-finals but um tell you what let's take a break and discuss some of um the other cup ties when we come back this episode is brought to you by Squarespace What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website? Squarespace makes it easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social or QR code fast and hassle free. Go to squarespace.com slash football for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use code FOOTBALL, all uppercase, to get 10 % off your first purchase of a website or domain.

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27:41Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker, discussing the FA Cup, obviously. And tell you what, Liverpool are starting to look a little bit more like the Liverpool of last season. I think even Arnie Slott said so in a press conference after the game. He said, we're in a good place. I think one or two of the players seem to be settling in more. Kirk has been one. I see Mo Salah looking sharper. It might be a time to bring him in your fantasy team. I sense a good run of goal scoring coming. So, yeah, Sabozlai is in great form. So, I think, you know, reason to be a bit more cheerful for Liverpool fans who've had it tough the last few months.

28:23Micah Richards:Yeah, I would say so. When they had that game against Man City, it looked like they were going to win with that Sabozlai free kick. And first half, they weren't great at all. And then second half, they was amazing. There was a big debate after the game whether they could finish in the top four. and I saw something in the second half to say, yes, this is a good team. Liverpool are their best, similar to Newcastle, when they're on the front foot and use the crowd to their advantage and they're certainly doing that. So Bozlai took his game to the next level, whether he's playing right back, centre mid, whether he's playing number 10, he could play pretty much anywhere.

29:01Micah Richards:His energy, his technique, his driving runs. he's really I think he's been the outstanding player this season what a strike again oh my the goal

29:13Alan Shearer:the whole goal was amazing pure

29:16Gary Lineker:more Salah's touch with the right foot into his path yeah perfection yeah

29:21Alan Shearer:it was how good is Sabozh Lidy I mean he's drawn comparisons with Steven Jerry which I always think is a little bit they go somebody plays a few great games and all of a sudden you go right he's like him so yeah I mean I think you need to be cautious on that one. But he's definitely a multi-talented player that can play in a variety of positions.

29:40Gary Lineker:Well, he's had to fill in at right back as well several times, hasn't he? So, yeah, he's a really good player. He's got a great engine. I would agree with you, Micah, in terms of the Man City game. But also, if you had to watch them in midweek at Sunderland, defensively, I thought they were outstanding. How's he got that sorted out? Because it's the same same person out in the central defence. It's in front of them, isn't it? Or not? Well, did you hear Arna Slott yesterday? I think after his interview, because I was watching that game him on the way home after the Villa game and I listened to Arna Slott afterwards he actually went out of his way I think to praise more Salah's work defensively which I've noticed in the last couple of games where he's doing a lot more work defensively than I've seen him do for a while

30:18Micah Richards:I'd probably agree with that with Alan I think it's just players fitting in now I think Burt is doing a lot better I think Van Dijk when Van Dijk plays well the team plays really well Canati, after losing his dad, has put in some really good performances as well. I just think when Van Dijk plays well at the back, the whole of Liverpool play, if he has an off game, because everyone rely on him so much, it ruins the whole team. It really does because they're so used to him being perfect in every single game. And if you look at him the last couple of games, he's been brilliant, absolutely outstanding alongside Canati.

31:01Micah Richards:And you mentioned Kerkhez as well. I think he's been a lot better. If you watch Kirk Aiz earlier on in the season, I won't say he was too excited, but he was trying to impress a little bit too much. He was quite rash with his challenges and then had to make changes. They tried Fring Pong early doors, didn't they, where he's more of a winger. They played at right back and that wasn't really his strength. I think now they've got the balance of the team right. I'm not talking about a team that should be 14th. They're always going to get better, wouldn't they? We're just going through a bit of a tough time.

31:31Alan Shearer:I think that's probably absolutely right. But I think, you know, Liverpool do look like they're on the way back. You know, football can prove us wrong very quickly. Manchester City is expected one fairly comfortably. I thought Salford battled away quite well. I thought the interesting thing that came out of that game was the words from James Trafford afterwards. He came in and played well again, made a couple of excellent saves as he did a couple of weeks ago. And he said the following. It was nice. It wasn't what I expected coming into the season. I tried to guard against it. It's the reality and I have to give it my best shot.

32:10Alan Shearer:It's a situation I'm in. We train every day, but making saves, it's good fun. It's one of them. It's a knockout competition. We won't have a week until the next game. We have to keep going. And his point there was very clear that he thought he was coming to Manchester City to be the first team goalkeeper.

32:28Micah Richards:Well, he was, wasn't he? He was going to be number one. And then there was reports coming out of Paris that Donnarumma was available. Was it 20, 25 million quid? After just winning the Champions League, everyone jumped at the opportunity. He was just unfortunate. He was really unfortunate because he's a very good goalkeeper. He's proven that in the game that he's played this season.

32:51Alan Shearer:But it's just... Just... He's Donnarumma. He's probably, you know, he's one of the top five goalkeepers in the world, if not the best. Exactly. How old's Donnarumma? It's not as if he's going to... He's young, yeah. He's 26, Donnarumma. So he's got at least another 10 years prime because his goalkeepers last longer. He'll have to leave. He'll have to, I think so. Because he's too good not to play regularly. And I think he's, you know, he went through that tough first season at Burnley. He's come on leaps and bounds. He's booked up a little bit. it's been exceptional when he's played for City albeit against slightly inferior opposition but the first team goalkeeper generally at most clubs most of the time stays as the person it is until they make a serious change or the goalkeeper is useless and that is certainly not going to be the case with Donnarumma so what do you do?

33:40Alan Shearer:I mean he clearly wanted to make the point that it's not this is not really what I signed for and that's the ambition is important as well if you've got to believe

33:49Gary Lineker:that you're good I don't think it will do him any harm I think it'll do him the world of good actually working with one of the best keepers in the world for 12 months that's a good point so I think from a learning point of view and an improving and all of those things I think I don't think the year or this season would have been wasted for him to look at him and see how he works and operates I don't think that's a bad thing but a year is enough doing that then I think he would himself want to play first team football on a regular basis so after this season I guess didn't Newcastle go for a minute Newcastle as far as I'm aware went in for him.

34:23Gary Lineker:What are you laughing at? I thought he was coming to Newcastle. That's probably why.

34:28Alan Shearer:Sorry, that's my fault. See, I never brought it up this time.

34:32Gary Lineker:Yes, I think that Newcastle were in for him, yeah. But wasn't there a buyback clause in his contract for Man City?

34:39Alan Shearer:I think that was right, wasn't it? I think that's the case.

34:42Micah Richards:I didn't know that detail, Al. You've got more insight than that. He seems like you know a lot about that contract now.

34:48Gary Lineker:No, I'm just saying, you dickhead.

34:53Alan Shearer:he did indeed have a buyback clause for 31 million after they matched apparently Newcastle's bid

35:04Gary Lineker:let me just ask you guys what you think of Mark Geahy playing and scoring oh the fact that he's

35:09Alan Shearer:already played for Palace Palace and got knocked out well I think as he lifted the cup last season I think it's reasonable totally fine

35:18Micah Richards:rules are rules though okay

35:20Gary Lineker:I'm just asking you opinion guys I'm turned into the presenter like you want to be Mike I just thought I'd ask the

35:25Alan Shearer:question you know when I watched match of the day this morning do you know what happened in it Micah there was a moment and if this catches on I'm done I don't it was one of the games they were sharing there was a bit of commentary and the commentary said he's found a bit of room of space not even a pocket of space and I'm thinking to myself oh god no don't let that I like it. I'm going to write that down.

35:51Micah Richards:A room of space. I mean, what?

35:53Alan Shearer:Find a bit of room of space. Okay. So I just made me go, what? This afternoon, I watched the first half of Arsenal and it was obviously very easy. They were 4-0 up at half time. So I switched over and watched the second half of Rangers Hearts, which was obviously a huge game in the Premiership in Scotland. And Hearts led twice, but Rangers cut them down and they ended up winning. So the table's now very tight because Celtic got a last minute winner. They came from two down earlier in the day. Here's me watching Scottish football, folks. And Hearts now lead by just two points from Rangers and Celtic are a point further back in third.

36:37Alan Shearer:You've got a proper title race in Scotland. Ooh, they've got a game in hand though, haven't they? Celtic, if they win their game in hand. I mean, then it becomes even more interesting.

36:47Gary Lineker:So if they win the game in hand, they go level, right?

36:50Micah Richards:Level. Goal difference. Hearts have got a plus four goal difference at the moment.

36:55Alan Shearer:Yusef Cermiti scored a hat-trick. Yes. So, yes, I was kind of cheering on Hearts because, you know, as someone who's got no skin in the game, I don't support anyone in Scotland. I just think it would be quite good for Scottish football if someone outside of the, you know, the Rangers or Celtic won it because it was Ferguson to Aberdeen the last time which was in the mid 80s I mean that's 40 years ago when I was playing Micah I was playing in those days it would be incredible achievement if they managed to do it I want to talk about your friend Micah as well who your friend Bastoni did you see his antics in the I'm going to be having words with him have you sent him

37:43Gary Lineker:a text Micah not yet but I will be that was shocking It's the worst dive I've seen since Tuesday night, the two Tottenham players against Newcastle.

37:51Alan Shearer:Do you know what they should do with diving, right? They should do, I think, a kind of punishment of three-game ban to stop it. And the same, you know, when someone pretends play-acting, they've got hit in the face and they've actually not really. Anything like that is embarrassing for football. When it's that blatant, yeah. I mean, you couldn't get more blatant than that. Exactly. Even if you don't see it at the time and it's difficult for referees and they didn't have VAR in the FA Cup, obviously. But, you know, the one in Italy, and they can't intervene for yellow cards VAR anyway. But if you see something like that, they should be an automatic three-game suspension because that's the only way players are going to stop doing it.

38:34Micah Richards:Yeah. I've had a bad dive though, guys. That's why I'm being a little... Well, yours was the worst.

38:39Alan Shearer:But you should have... If you'd have... Actually, yours should have been a six-game ban for that. I mean, it's so shocking, wasn't it? Yeah, at least you did it theatrically and you went right up in the air. You didn't try and con anyone. He's also been yellow carded in the game, Bastoni. I don't know whether you know this. So if he'd have got a second yellow for diving... He was off. He was off. And actually, so they should have been down to 10 men, not the other way around. Didn't he go like that as well, though? And then he's waved his arm up to give him a yellow card to make sure he got the scent off.

39:12Alan Shearer:I mean, the nerve of it. I mean, do they not realise we see television replays and stuff and this is going to haunt you in your adult life. For the rest of these days, people are going to go, Bastoni the Bastardo. Something like that for doing that. I mean, come on, man. We don't, that's shit. It's crap. Yeah, it was bad. It really is. What's not crap is Harry Kane. Harry Kane, 500 goals now. Amazing. In his career. What an incredible strike. What an incredible footballer he is.

39:41Gary Lineker:did I read one or two rumours about him signing a new contract or talks about a new contract well why wouldn't you I mean he's killing it over there

39:49Micah Richards:isn't he he's brilliant man he's killing it 500 how many did you score Al? no banter I know he scored 260 in the Prem but how many did you score? well I think it was 4-2-2

39:58Alan Shearer:4-2-2 in how many games? including friendlies and schoolboys games Sunday league matches when he was a kid

40:05Gary Lineker:I think it was early 700 600 and something so you're averaging what? a goal every other game? You sound surprise maker.

40:13Micah Richards:Are you one in two? No, I mean,

40:15Alan Shearer:I know your Premier League record, but obviously he was a lot younger. One in two was good in the day. It's not now because of the law changes and everything, but yeah.

40:24Gary Lineker:I might have counted my 13 England under 21 goals. Did I?

40:29Micah Richards:You see, I knew he was up to something. I knew it. Did you count your 13 England goals, Alan? He's counting victory shield goals from under 16. I can't. Three.

40:39Alan Shearer:Yeah, yeah. Should have been 49. Yeah, well, he should have been 73. I mean, if you're taking the chances, you're missing your career. Interesting talking about that. I was referring to the penalty. Do you know how many penalties Harry scored in that 500? Have a guess. 75. No.

40:58Gary Lineker:86.

40:59Alan Shearer:100. Dead on. Is it really? So 500 goals, 100 penalties. So that's, come on, do the maths. One in. What did you say? Sorry. We weren't listening. I won't listen in sorry someone will forgive me I'm asking you sorry I just scored 500 goals in total yes 100 have come from the penalty spot so what's this ratio of penalties per goal

41:20Micah Richards:oh 1 in 1 fifth thank you Mike I knew you getting scores exactly

41:28Gary Lineker:1 in 5 it's brilliant what an amazing what a just a I mean just incredible he is

41:34Alan Shearer:and the thing about Harry as well he's not just a goal scorer is he he's an incredible passer of the ball then. He isn't slowing down either. Yeah, let's hope he carries on right throughout the World Cup.

41:43Micah Richards:Can I just ask you guys as top strikers before we leave, does that

41:48Gary Lineker:How long have you thought about this question for?

41:53Micah Richards:Does it bother you that Harry Kane scored more goals or not? Be honest and I want an honest genuine answer here. Not at all.

42:02Gary Lineker:Why would it bother you if he scored more goals? I hope he scores way more. Because everyone's got that question who's the greatest ever English striker. Pele scored more goals. So whoever scored more, what does it matter? Just because he's English, it doesn't make any difference. It's great to see. And he's a nice lad as well, isn't he? So who's better, you or Harry Kane?

42:23Alan Shearer:What a stupid question. Are you talking to me or Alan, Micah?

42:28Micah Richards:Both of you.

42:32Alan Shearer:Harry Kane's a better footballer, I would say. I would say Harry Kane's a better footballer than me. And Alan, probably. Okay, who's a better goal scorer out of you two then? Well, it's hard to compare because goal scoring now is so, obviously all the people that are scoring the goals now, the big ones are pretty much a goal a game. Haaland, Dumbappe, Lewandowski, Harry Kane, they're all around a goal a game. In our day, if you got better than one in two, that was because of obviously massive law changes. Can't just kick people, pitches are better, way more penalties, so you've got to be on penalties nowadays.

43:08Alan Shearer:So it has changed. So I'd fancy scoring a lot of goals if I played now. If I was in my prime now and had, obviously, you know, you grew up with a football that's played now. And pitches, man. Yeah. Pitches out. How do you miss?

43:22Gary Lineker:I watched a bit of it. Actually, going back to the FA Cup, you just see Grimsby Wolves today. The Grimsby pinch. It was like a pitch from the 80s. Oh, proper old school. Mud, rain. It was brilliant to see. The ball was getting stuck in the mud. it was like back in the 80s it was great to see Wolves did well actually getting that result because it was tricky going there and getting that win

43:46Alan Shearer:I mean people say it was great back then football in the 70s and 80s but it must have been so shit to watch I mean honestly it was so hard to play I mean on those some of the games that you play in the mud oh my god it was bloody awful but anyway we all reminisce favourably and fondly I think so what a lovely way to finish this episode of The Rest is Football. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.

44:12Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me.