Gary Lineker was given a ‘lesson in class’ by Thierry Henry after the TV host disrespected Iceland at Euro 2016.
Lineker and Henry worked together with the BBC at the France tournament, with Iceland’s run to the quarter-finals becoming one of its best storylines.
Much to England’s dismay, of course.
Euro 2016 was a disaster for the Three Lions. Only their performances at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 have helped to wipe from the memory just how bad it was for Roy Hodgson and his squad.
Harry Kane on corners. Three goals in four matches. Exiting at the hands of Iceland. It was a horror-show that ended in Hodgson’s resignation.
Indeed, the 2-1 defeat to Iceland in the round-of-16 was labelled “the worst defeat in our history” by Lineker.
Lineker given ‘lesson in class’
Yet after their stunning victory over Hodgson’s side in Nice, courtesy of goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbein Sigthorsson, Lineker still didn’t seem willing to give Iceland the credit they deserved.
Lineker was wrapping up BBC’s coverage of Germany’s quarter-final win against Italy when he predicted a Germany vs France semi-final, despite France still needing to beat Iceland.
He was quickly shut down by Frenchman Henry.
“No, we’re not there yet,” the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker interjected.
“Let’s try to play that game, let’s try to win it. Massive respect for Iceland, let’s see tomorrow.”
Henry’s humble response drew a wry smile from fellow pundit Alan Shearer. You can watch the moment below.
Iceland’s fairytale Euro 2016
Of course, France would go on to beat Iceland 5-2 in the quarter-final, bringing their fairytale story to an end.
They were the smallest nation ever to qualify for a major football tournament and captured the imagination of fans all over the world with their fearless approach.
Iceland held eventual tournament winners Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match and booked their place in the knockout rounds with a dramatic 2-1 win against Austria.
Then came the highlight, a 2-1 win against England that instantly became one of the greatest moments in the country’s sporting history.
