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Roy Keane stunned by Gareth Southgate's decision that could lose him England job

30 June 2024 , 17:09
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Roy Keane was left baffled (Image: ITV)
Roy Keane was left baffled (Image: ITV)

Roy Keane revealed his "shock" at Gareth Southgate's decision not to make any changes at half time for England.

The Irishman said the decision could cost the Three Lions boss his job after a drab first half in which Slovakia took the lead through Ivan Schranz in 25 minutes.

Speaking from the ITV studio as the players returned to the pitch for the second half, Keane said: "I would be shocked [if Southgate made no changes at the break]. He could be out of his job in 45 minutes unless he does something about it.

"At least go out on your decision-making." Ian Wright agreed with his colleague, adding: "He can't do that [not make changes], not the way we have played that first half, something has got to change."

Southgate made only one change to his England starting XI from the goalless draw with Slovenia in the Three Lions' final Group C clash, with Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher in midfield, but the Man United star was unable to influence a better display.

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Gary Neville was critical of Southgate's decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his team at half-time, saying in the ITV studio: "Trent Alexander-Arnold, it is illegal that that lad is not playing football in any game like this for England today.

Roy Keane stunned by Gareth Southgate's decision that could lose him England jobGareth Southgate has taken some heavy criticism ((Image: Getty))

"We cannot have Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier at left and right back when we're on the ball most of the time. That is the kid who is the best football player we have ever seen at right-back, or full-back, in this country. He has got to be on the pitch."

England thought they had equalised after the break when Trippier found Phil Foden, who slotted home to draw the scores level.

But the Manchester City star had just drifted into an offside position, with his close-range effort being chalked off by referee Halil Umit Meler.

Jake Polden

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