20 September 2023 , 08:45
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Gary Lineker has claimed that England and Manchester United star Mason Mount could replace him on Match of the Day.
The former Three Lions’ striker has presented the popular BBC highlights programme since replacing Des Lynham back in 1999. For the moment, the 62-year-old’s position appears secure - despite his recent row with the BBC.
During the latest episode of the Rest Is Football Podcast alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, the trio were asked which current Premier League players could replace them on the programme. The former Newcastle forward suggested that Tottenham star James Maddison could be an ideal candidate.
He said: “I think James Maddison because I think he talks really, really well,” to which Lineker replied: “He’s very eloquent and he’s very good tactically. I think he’s the best of the players in the post-match interview.”
Meanwhile, Richards also had a suggestion of his own, with another player who had been in England contention over the past few seasons at the top of his thinking. He said: “A little bit left field, but Conor Coady.
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“In terms of people want strikers, but I’m going with a defender. He knows the game really well, speaks really good. I’ve worked with him on Match of the Day and he’s done Sky as well.”
Gary Lineker has suggested that Mason Mount could have a futute career at Match of the Day (Getty Images)Which Premier League star do you think would make a good presenter? Share your suggestions in the comments below
Shearer then suggested that former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel would be an excellent candidate for the role, but Lineker says a host of current England stars including Mount could also be excellent presenters.
He added: “Kasper Schmeichel as a goalkeeper, very good. His dad’s done lots of punditry, that’s not a bad shout. Can you remember Alan, when we did the World Cup in Moscow and there were three young footballers?
“It was Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Ryan Sessegnon. They came to watch us do the TV shows. And Mason Mount sat in my chair and was doing a few things to camera and he wasn’t too bad. Who knows, maybe Mason Mount, we’ll see.”
One final suggestion from Richards was Arsenal ’s summer signing and yet another England star - Declan Rice. The former Man City star added: “Declan Rice. He’s going to be doing it definitely,” to which Lineker said: “Very likeable.”
The former Leicester and Barcelona striker’s presenting role is not just limited to Match of the Day. He also signed a multi-year deal with LaLiga to present Spanish football from the 2021/22 season and beyond.