He was kicking and heading every ball from the stands.
Boy, how Ray Houghton would have loved to be out there.
The former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder was on co-commentary with RTE’s George Hamilton as the broadcaster dished up England versus Croatia in the World Cup semi-final, from Moscow.
Houghton was impressed with England’s lively start and felt they should have led by more than 1-0 at half-time.
Croatia levelled matters in the second half and Houghton, who was born and raised in Scotland but played his club football in England, felt Ivan Perisic was lucky to get away with a high boot.
As much as he sided with England’s efforts to reach only their second ever final, one fan was irked when Houghton dropped a ‘we’ when discussing Gareth Southgate’s side.
3 mins in and Ray Houghton has already referred to England as "WE". Loyalty has no place in football.
— Shane Quinlan (@shanequinlan) July 11, 2018
It may have been a simple slip from the 73-times capped Irish legend, but others were not happy with his picky tone in commentary and how he seemed to be siding with the English.
Did Ray Houghton ever make a mistake when he played? 🤔
— John Coleman (@colemanajohn) July 11, 2018
My kingdom for a game of football as perfect as it appears in Ray Houghton's rear-view mirror.
— Kevin Coghlan (@kevin_coghlan) July 11, 2018
Ray Houghton saying Harry Kane will be keeping an eye on what's happening in Ireland tonight where he has relations supporting him….he will ya Ray🖒🙈
— John Des (@1johndes) July 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/Rkidmurray/status/1017144770676903937
Nice guy in person but Ray Houghton comes across on commentary like a fella who'd complain about a free Christmas Dinner being a bit dried out… after licking the feckin plate. #RTEsoccer #ENGCRO
— Séamie Ó Chaoimh (@seamieochaoimh) July 11, 2018
Can’t please everyone.
