Roy Keane Labels England Players As ‘Arrogant’ After Win Over Ireland

Former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, has labelled the England players as ‘arrogant’ after the Three Lions beat Ireland in the opening Nations League fixture.

Roy Keane Slams ‘Arrogant’ England After Win Over Ireland

Lee Carsley kicked-off his run as interim England manager with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

The duo were in the headlines leading up to the match, due to their time in the Ireland youth sides and the football script writers were in full flow as they both found the back of the net.

England’s first-half performance was enough to secure all-three points, as both goals came in the opening 45 minutes and Ireland failed to threaten Jordan Pickford in the England net.

Keane, who was a part of the ITV punditry team for the match, praised the Three Lions for their first half display – but felt disappointed with their second half showing.

"I thought they were awful in the second half!" 😳

Roy Keane wasn't impressed by England in the second half yesterday 🔊#IREENG pic.twitter.com/QrU1RfEMmI

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 8, 2024

He said (Via ITV): “The frustrating thing for England today was that Ireland were there for the taking. England dominated in the first half, we praised them and their decision-making, their quality, their movement.

“But that was the opposite in the second half. I thought they were awful in the second half, players playing for themselves, taking too many touches, trying to play Roy of the Rovers passes.

“Keep doing the basics and suck Ireland out. But Ireland played with a lot of pride in the second half.

“But as good as England were in the first half, I thought they were just as bad in the second half. Players playing for themselves. Even the substitutions… players strolling off, showing a bit of arrogance.

“If there’s a team there for the taking, especially the attacking players… if you’re on that pitch you’re thinking, “I’ve got chances there to go and score a goal!”

England go head-to-head with Finland in their second Nations League clash, as they welcome the European nation to Wembley on Tuesday 10th September.