ROY KEANE SUNK the boot into England, after their underwhelming FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil.
Roy Hodgson’s men failed to win a game in Group D, as Costa Rica and Uruguay progressed into the knockout stages and England arrived home in June.
After another unsatisfying campaign, Ireland assistant coach Keane said England performed worse than even he expected.
“I said England would struggle but that’s not football knowledge, that’s just common sense,” said Keane, who recently joined Premier League club Aston Villa as an assistant coach.
“If you look at the squad, they should have done enough to get out of the group. The players didn’t perform.
“We (Republic of Ireland) played Costa Rica last month and if you had told me then they would top the group I’d have said you were mad. But if I look at the England squad and the players then a lot of them still lack vital experience. Whether it’s Champions League experience or big-game experience.
“A lot of those players are yet to win a trophy and yet people still expect them to go to the World Cup and reach the quarters or semi-finals.
“People are ranting and raving about the younger players — they still have a lot to do. We can argue all day about winter breaks and all the rest of it, but the fact is they should have done better.”
The former Irish international went on to defend ex-club team-mate Wayne Rooney, claiming the England striker would continue his international career.
“If you think Wayne Rooney’s gone, then you are sadly mistaken,” he said.
“I thought he did OK. I’m sure he will feel that he should have done better. Top players are quick to look at themselves.”
Meanwhile, ahead of meeting the Aston Villa squad for the first time, Keane told reporters that his reputation for explosive behaviour is exaggerated.
“That’s not my style — strange enough,” he said. “There have been one or two instances highlighted, particularly my time with Ipswich I suppose. Jon Walters obviously.
“But that’s about management, learning, experiences. If you think I come into work — and I’ve been a professional footballer for 20-odd years — ranting and raving every day or even every week I wouldn’t last two minutes.
“I can engage with the players. If a player needs an arm round the shoulder I can do that as well.”
Say all you want about keane but you have love his honesty.
Roy keanes arm around your shoulder is very close to Roy keanes arm around your neck, I’d rather a chat from about 10 feet if you don’t mind Roy
The first line of the article is incorrect, he did not sink the boot into England. He called it as he saw it. His opinion seems ok to me. Bottom of their group- what do you want him to say. …
Regarding the headline statement the man is correct and right… Rooney used as a scape goat yet set up a goal and scored one . England scored two goals!!!
Keane tells it as it is, England were shite and the squad is full of egos, Rooney was there best player imo have to laugh at the English press slating him, who played better ?
I imagine Stevie G isn’t laughing anymore
Gerard comes off second best just like the old days …
With his world cup “experience” very hard to take his comments serious.
He played 4 full matches at USA 1994
haha, well done Ben. a very astute comment.
By astute you mean stupid yeah?
Roy, Keane, not Hodgson even won a game….
Judging by the reaction every time Roy Keane is mentioned, Luis Suarez will be vilified for many decades by Liverpool fans when he f**cks off to Barcelona.
God help Villa if they reach a crucial game — he will be nowhere to be seen, out walking his dog.
ROONEY IS NOT A TOP PLAYER!!!