Hard to argue with Roy Keane on this one.
In terms of international experience and games at the highest level of European football, England’s journey to the World Cup semi final was a commendable achievement.
Victories over Colombia and Sweden in the knock-out stages saw Gareth Southgate’s men into the final four and, with France awaiting in the final, Kieran Trippier got his side off to a super start.
The Tottenham defender pinged in a superb free-kick to put England 1-0 up and they really should have went in further up at the half-time break.
Croatian have too much class in their ranks and goals from Ivan Perisic and, in extra time, Mario Mandzukic saw them win 2-1.
Roy Keane had a tough gig of it – as the voice of neutral reason – in the ITV studio as he was surrounded by an English host and former internationals Ian Wright, Lee Dixon and Gary Neville.
https://twitter.com/oconchuirc/status/1017156690897178629
He took some flak, on social media, for his forthright views before, during and after the game but, when it came to the crunch, he cut to the core of England’s failure.
On England’s failure to see off their winning position, he declared:
“Look at these England players, a lot of them haven’t won a trophy, it’s highly unlikely the first trophy you’re going to win in your career is a World Cup.”
Needless to say, the former Ireland captain’s comments divided opinion…
Roy Keane is brutal 😂😂
— Lee Phelps (@leephelps) July 11, 2018
Roy Keane half the players on the pitch haven't even won a trophy their first one is hardly going to be the World Cup 😂😂😂
— Áine (@aineog086) July 11, 2018
Roy Keane: "Look at these England players, a lot of them haven't won a trophy, it's highly unlikely the first trophy you're going to win in your career is a world cup" spot on. Loose the spuds.
— 🔴⚪Chris Jenkins🐉$MON🔴⚪ (@Danger1979fuel) July 11, 2018
Keane did credit the English players for their efforts in reaching the semis but reserved his highest praise for the victors, Croatia.
https://twitter.com/Fennabahce/status/1017148037372801025
https://twitter.com/Cymroid/status/1017147983870251010
https://twitter.com/saramj78/status/1017148410821005313
England are not making the final – they have a 3rd place playoff on Saturday – but Keane will, back on punditry duty this Sunday afternoon.
