Lads abroad! Shirtless Gary Lineker displays toned body as he hits Ipanema beach with Robbie Savage during World Cup break
An otherwise memorable World Cup has been a dismal affair for England, who flew home this week after three poor group games saw them record their worst performances in the tournament since 1950.
But while Roy Hodgson and his beleaguered flops reflect on a miserable stay in Brazil, former striker Gary Lineker has been topping up his tan during a temporary break from his punditry commitments with Match of the Day.
The 53-year-old presenter – whose playing career saw him notch six World Cup goals for England – peeled off his shirt after trading the studio for a day out at Rio’s picturesque Ipanema Beach.
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Tanned and toned: Gary Lineker takes it easy on Ipanema Beach in Rio during a break from his match of the Day commitments
With the long stretch of sand affording him an impressive view of the ocean, shirtless Gary took it easy on a sun-lounger while checking messages on his mobile phone.
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The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona ace was joined by fellow pundit Robbie Savage – a former Welsh international - who relaxed on a nearby beach towel.
Sporting a pair of blue shorts, Gary looked tanned and toned as he took advantage of the soaring temperatures.
Good times: The former England ace was joined by fellow pundit Robbie Savage
In great shape: The 53-year-old displayed a nicely conditioned upper body while topping up his tan on Friday
Danielle calling! Gary checks his phone for messages while idling on a sun lounger
Gary and Rob were taking their first day off in almost two weeks after flying out to Brazil ahead of what has already proved to be an eventful World Cup.
A surprising round of group games resulted in Italy, Portugal and current holders Spain joining a dismal England on the early flight home, but a short break before the tournament’s Second Round has given the two pals an opportunity to hit the beach.
The trip to Rio has also given Gary – who won 80 England caps – a chance to reflect on his own World Cup memories thanks to a meeting with Argentinian legend Diego Maradona, whose infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal sent England home in 1986.
This is the life! Gary admires the view while former Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City midfielder Robbie (in yellow shorts) relaxes on a beach towel
Turned out nice again, hasn't it? The two pals are side by side as temperatures soar in Rio de Janeiro
Tatt's nice: Rob reveals his tattoos after pulling himself up from the sand
Gary took time out from his role as a BBC pundit to appear on Maradona's live TV show on Sunday and, in Spanish, joked: 'It is 28 years ago today, right? How's that hand of yours?'
The pair have a history together after the former Leicester forward tracked the World Cup winner to Buenos Aires in 2006 for BBC documentary, 'When Lineker met Maradona'.
The 'Hand of Goal' goal has never sat right with the majority of England fans, least of all that day's goalkeeper Peter Shilton, but Lineker seems to have gotten over the controversy.
Take a pew: The former footballer grabs his chair after hitting beach with pal Robbie
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