Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Roy Keane, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, England, Football
Luke Davies
Topics: Roy Keane, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, England, Football
Former Manchester captain Roy Keane took issue with one of Thomas Tuchel’s comments ahead of England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier victory against Albania at Wembley on Friday evening.
Keane, 53, was part of ITV Sport’s live broadcast team alongside former England international Ian Wright.
Ahead of kick-off, he gave his thoughts on Tuchel’s comments about his predecessor Gareth Southgate, which the German made in an interview with ITV in the days prior to his first game in charge.
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The 51-year-old explained how the Three Lions were more “afraid” to “drop out” of the Euros last summer than having the “hunger” to win it – although it must be said that they did reach the final in which they lost 2-1 against Spain.
"They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament in my observation than having the excitement and hunger to win it," Tuchel told ITV before being asked what was missing from Southgate’s squad.
"The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the freedom of players, the hunger,” he added.
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And despite never being afraid to give his own opinion on players and managers, Keane explained how Tuchel’s assessment of Southgate’s tenure was “a bit harsh”.
"It seems a bit hard, because obviously they won a few football matches over there, and there were a lot of teams that had a good identity, (but) they came back before England,” Keane said. “It’s well and good talking a good game, they’ve got to perform.
“But yeah, it seems a bit harsh on Gareth (Southgate), but I know where he’s coming from, a certain style of play, they were heavily criticised despite winning football matches, but I still think we shouldn’t get away from Gareth doing a good job with England.”
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Like Tuchel, Southgate also saw his side win 2-0 in his opening game as England head coach against Malta back in 2016.
The former Chelsea boss will be hoping to achieve something Southgate and every other England manager aside from Sir Alf Ramsey couldn't by winning the World Cup, which will get underway in June 2026.
England will return to action on Monday when they face Latvia at Wembley.