England v Sweden: Gary Lineker shut down over Gareth Southgate ‘confusion’
ENGLAND V SWEDEN kicked off one of the most intense games of the World Cup 2018 today as the countries fought to win one of the quarter final matches, but in a bizarre moment during half-time Gary Lineker awkwardly confused one fan for England manager Gareth Southgate.
World Cup: Gary Lineker spots Gareth Southgate lookalike
Ex-footballer Gary had just finished off reeling off some very encouraging statistics for fans from the BBC studio in Russia.
According to the popular pundit, not only have Sweden never won the FIFA World Cup but they drew against England twice in the final matches.
Yet as the momentum began to build the camera suddenly flashed to a man in the audience who left Gary in a state of confusion.
Believing the mystery figure was actually the England manager, Gary stumbled over his words before quickly realising the pair just looked remarkably similar from a distance.
Both men were even wearing the same colour waistcoats too.
“Is that Gareth Southgate?” Gary asked at first.
As chuckles came from the studio guests Gary continued: “Or is that a lookalike, must be a lookalike.
“Extraordinary he must be quite similar mustn’t he. His waistcoat and everything.”
The retired player seemed to be finding the whole situation hilarious.
“Brilliant stuff,” he went on. “Hopefully he’ll be cheering in the second half.”
Extraordinary he must be quite similar mustn’t he
But the commentator was quick to shut down the pundit as the camera switched to the England team.
“Thank you Gary, there’s the real Gareth Southgate,” he joked.
Taking to Twitter, viewers began sharing their agreement with Gary.
One person wrote: “Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) and the boys in the studio weren't the only ones fooled by the fake Gareth Southgate, it fooled me too! #engswe #Eng #England #EnglandvSweden #GarethSouthgate #EnglandvsSweden #SWEvENG #SWEvsENG.”
Another quipped: “@TheBarmyArmy’s Gareth Southgate in the crowd.... @GaryLineker.”
“@GaryLineker WOW that Gareth Southgate Lookalike!!!!! Thought it was him mingling with the fans!!!!” A third fan exclaimed.
While a fourth teased: “@GaryLineker the Gareth Southgate lookalike is a member of the England’s cricket @TheBarmyArmy.”
In a triumphant victory, England beat Sweden with 2-0.
England's next game will be Wednesday, and it will be against either Russia or Croatia following the teams' own quarter final match at 7pm tonight.
The World Cup 2018 final takes place next Sunday.