Kai Havertz has fired back at Gary Lineker after the former England striker branded the current Germany squad as “one of the weakest” in the country’s history. The Arsenal forward stressed that Julian Nagelsmann’s team are tuning out the external criticism as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage in the United States.

Lineker’s remarks ignite debate

Expectations are perpetually high for the German national team, yet Lineker didn’t hold back when evaluating their current form. Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, the England legend described this as “one of the weakest” German teams he has witnessed. He even suggested that if Germany were to meet France in the round of 16, Les Bleus would advance to the quarter-finals “without any problem.”

These remarks arrived at a delicate moment for the four-time world champions. Despite topping Group E, Germany’s shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group game has drawn sharp domestic and global criticism. The display, marked by defensive errors, has prompted analysts to question whether Nagelsmann’s side possess the tactical discipline needed to excel during the knockout stages.

Havertz stands up for Nagelsmann’s men

Speaking at a press conference before Germany’s Round of 32 fixture against Paraguay, Havertz was quick to shrug off the outside commentary. “Everyone can have their opinion. I didn’t even notice it myself,” said the 27-year-old. “In a tournament like this, a lot of people start talking about you. But I don’t think anyone in our squad really pays attention to it.”

The Arsenal forward added that the players are already accustomed to criticism from within their own country. “We already have enough experts back home – if people from other countries start adding to it, then enough is enough,” he continued. “It’s always easy to criticise from the outside, but honestly, I couldn’t care less.”

German greats increase the pressure

It’s not only international figures like Lineker who have been critical. German icon Toni Kroos has also pointed out flaws in the team’s mentality, particularly their failure to maintain a combative edge when matches become physical. After the Ecuador defeat, Kroos remarked that the current squad is not a “physical team” and struggles to grind out results when their attack falters.

Meanwhile, inconsistency from creative youngsters Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz has added to the scrutiny. The duo impressed in a 7-1 rout of Curacao but were effectively shut down by Ecuador’s intense pressing. Such fluctuations have strengthened Lineker’s argument that Germany lacks the mental toughness and resilience synonymous with their past golden generations.

Eyes on the Paraguay encounter

Germany’s immediate task is to overcome Paraguay and quieten the critics, setting up a possible blockbuster round-of-16 meeting with either the 2018 champions or the 2022 runners-up. While experts continue to question their credentials, the players appear determined to respond on the pitch. Despite recent doubts, Havertz and his teammates understand that only a deep run in the tournament will truly end the “weakest side” narrative surrounding them.