Roy Keane insisted England reverted to type in their sluggish victory over Andorra on Saturday.
The Three Lions were back in action for the first time in 2025-26 campaign as they hosted the European minnows at Villa Park for a World Cup qualifier.
Thomas Tuchel named a strong starting XI against the team ranked 174th in the world by FIFA as England looked to build on a drab performance in the reverse fixture back in June.
Ultimately the hosts were able to secure all three points with Declan Rice adding a second for England after they took the lead following an Andorra own-goal in the first half.
Despite moving one step closer to next summer’s World Cup in North America, England were largely unimpressive as they struggled to break down their opponents’ disciplined defending.
Speaking following the game the Manchester United legend claimed Tuchel will have been ‘frustrated’ with how his side failed to make good on their chances.
Roy Keane claimed England fell back into old habits during their drab 2-0 win over Andorra
The Three Lions were in control throughout at Villa Park but rarely threatened to up the tempo
Keane claimed England suffered from a lack of positivity going forward during the game
‘I don’t think the manager is too happy at the end,’ Keane said on ITV.
‘I think he’d be frustrated again with the second half. We’re on about setting high standards and getting into good habits.
‘I still think England fell back into their old ways again tonight. Certainly in the second half. Sidewards, backwards passes.
‘We saw their two goals tonight, particularly the second one. Just from a cross. They’ve got to cross it a bit more. Don’t complicate the game. And I still think they’ve gone backwards too many times.’
Keane added that England need to be more positive going forward, particularly given the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal.
He continued: ‘Especially if you’ve got players like Reece James in possession. We saw the goal, it was very straightforward.
‘Obviously he gets a good first touch and Declan [Rice] just walks in there and the beauty with the cross, it’s almost set up for it because they’ve been used to dealing with balls in front of them.
‘I watch all levels of football, as we all do. The amount of goals that come from crosses.
‘England’s two goals today come from crosses. Don’t be reluctant to cross the ball.’
