Kai Havertz has brushed aside Gary Lineker's assessment that the current Germany squad is among the weakest the nation has ever fielded, insisting the team pays little attention to outside opinion.

Lineker, who claimed the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup, made the remarks in an interview with L'Equipe, as reported by Bavarian News Network. The former England striker pulled no punches in his verdict on Germany's prospects at this year's tournament.

Lineker's sharp verdict

"I think that this is one of the weakest Germany sides I've ever seen," Lineker said. "France should reach the quarter-finals without any trouble."

He went further, pointing to Germany's back-to-back group-stage exits at the last two World Cups as evidence the nation's football reputation runs ahead of its current reality. "Germany are living off their past," he added. "So I think you can all sleep easy."

Havertz shrugs it off

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Germany's Round of 32 fixture against Paraguay, Havertz was unmoved. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I didn't even notice it myself," the 27-year-old told reporters, according to Goal.

The Arsenal striker made clear that external noise rarely penetrates the squad's focus during a tournament. "Of course, during a tournament like this, a lot of people start talking about you. But I don't think anyone in the squad pays much attention to it," he said.

Havertz also noted that Germany are well used to scrutiny from closer to home. "We already have plenty of experts in our own country — if people in other countries start as well, at some point enough is enough," he said. "It's always easy to criticise us from the outside. But I really couldn't care less."