Roy Keane reckons England will be sent packing from the World Cup in the quarter-finals – despite coming from behind to win a World Cup match for the first time since 1966
The Three Lions survived a major scare against DR Congo on Wednesday, coming from behind to set up a last 16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City.
England fell behind inside seven minutes against DR Congo and struggled for much of the tie.
But captain Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s side from an embarrassing early exit.
Their reward: a trip to the Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning. The Mexicans have a significant advantage over England, with the game being played at altitude – 2,240 metres above sea level.
England boss Tuchel conceded on Wednesday that England would not be able to adjust to the conditions, giving Mexico the upper hand.
Roy Keane reckons England will bypass Mexico before falling to Brazil
England will need more than Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to get past Brazil
Even so, speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane believes Jude Bellingham and Kane have the quality to steer England past Mexico.
However, he conceded that England would likely reach their ceiling in a potential quarter-final against Brazil, arguing that the South Americans are well-rounded enough that individual brilliance alone will not carry the Three Lions through.
‘When we watched England against DR Congo, truthfully, we knew they were going to win.
‘When you’ve got players like Harry Kane who will get you out of trouble, then you always have that chance.
‘I think they beat Mexico on Monday, but if they get through to the likes of Brazil and Argentina, that’s when the trouble will really start.
‘If they play like they have done, it’s against those teams where they’ll come unstuck.
‘I don’t think England have got too much more to go, which is why I’m saying they’ll get to the quarters.
‘The couple of individuals that are world-class have kicked in, but they can only get you so far as well.
‘I don’t think England have many more gears they can go, whereas France has got another 20%.’
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been the subject of criticism throughout the tournament and the DR Congo tie was no exception.
Pickford, who has been capped 88 times for England, got a hand to Brian Cipenga’s seventh minute goal and Keane thinks he should have stopped it.
‘There is also a worry for me about the goalkeeper. If he’s got anything about himself, he’d be saying that he should have saved that.
‘And I’m not one of these that say a goalkeeper shouldn’t be getting beaten at his near post, because that can happen, but if you get a good hand to it, I think he’ll be disappointed.’
Roy Keane feels Jordan Pickford has been a liability for England
Despite Kane single-handedly orchestrating the late comeback, Keane still managed to poke fun at England’s record goalscorer.
It has become customary at the end of every win at this tournament for the England squad to stand in front of the fans and sing along to Wonderwall by Oasis.
On Wednesday, the entire squad linked arms in front of the travelling support in Atlanta with looks of amazement spread across their faces.
Kane, in particular, revelled in the moment after firing England through, scanning the crowd with wide-eyed delight.
Roy Keane ribbed Harry Kane as he soaked up the reception from the England fans
Roy Keane continuously mimicked Kane to the amusement of the rest of the panel
Keane, known for his hard-man antics, was far from impressed – mimicking Kane before teasing Gary Neville, Jill Scott and Ian Wright about the ritual.
‘People going: “I can’t believe he’s scored again” – he does it all the time,’ Keane said.
‘We were watching it together and I was sitting there going “of course he’s going to score”. That’s what he does.’
‘He’s our wonderwall, Roy,’ Neville quipped. ‘He loves the wonderwall.’
‘This is an impression of Harry Kane, Keane said as he glanced around the room with a sly grin.
‘They’re just looking. What’s amazing? A load of fans singing an Oasis song. Electric that.’
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