Crossword Genius

Outspoken England footballer getting stick (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cane

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue could be a double definition.

'outspoken england footballer' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'stick' is the second definition.
(I know that cane is a type of walking stick)

'getting' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cane that I've seen before include "Stick; thrash" , "Bamboo, sugar, stem" , "Type of sugar; beat" , "Hollow jointed stem of, say, bamboo (4)" , "e.g. Bamboo stem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app