Paul Gascoigne suggests Shearer or Southgate for Match of the Day
- Paul Gascoigne has suggested that Alan Shearer or Gareth Southgate could replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
- Lineker's contract with the BBC is set to expire in 2025, and there are discussions about bringing in a younger host.
- Gascoigne believes that Lineker will leave the show, indicating a potential shift in the program's leadership.
In the United Kingdom, the future of Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day is under scrutiny as his contract with the BBC is set to expire in 2025. Paul Gascoigne, a former footballer, has publicly stated his belief that Lineker will depart from the show, which he has hosted since 1999. This speculation comes amid reports that BBC chief Alex Kay-Jelski is considering a change in leadership to rejuvenate the iconic football program. Gascoigne has named Alan Shearer and Gareth Southgate as potential successors to Lineker. Shearer, who has been a part of Match of the Day since his retirement in 2006, is known for his strong presence in football commentary. Southgate, the former England manager, has also engaged in punditry and is currently a free agent after leaving his role earlier this summer. The discussions around Lineker's departure are fueled by claims that his name no longer holds the same weight as it once did, prompting the BBC to seek a younger host to lead their coverage. While Gascoigne's suggestions have garnered attention, other candidates such as Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are also in the running to take over the hosting duties. This potential shift in leadership reflects broader changes within sports broadcasting, as networks aim to adapt to evolving audience preferences and maintain relevance in a competitive media landscape.