FridayOL

Keane's Harsh Verdict: Just One England Star Caught Tuchel's Eye in Andorra Victory

Roy Keane, the notoriously blunt Manchester United legend, hasn't been shy in his criticism of England's performance against Andorra. While the Three Lions secured a 1-0 victory in Barcelona, maintaining their perfect start under manager Thomas Tuchel, Keane believes only one player truly impressed the German tactician.

England’s win, secured by a late goal, was far from convincing against a nation ranked 147th in the world. The match was largely described as 'boring' and lacking in attacking flair, leaving many questioning the level of competition and England's ability to consistently deliver against stronger opponents.

Speaking after the match, Keane singled out Jude Bellingham as the sole shining light. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who started in a deeper role, demonstrated composure, tactical awareness, and a willingness to drive forward with the ball – qualities that seemingly caught Tuchel's attention. Keane praised Bellingham's maturity and work rate, suggesting he possesses the qualities needed to become a key player for England for years to come.

“Bellingham was the only one who looked like he wanted to be on the pitch,” Keane stated bluntly. “His energy, his willingness to get on the ball, his passing... he was the only one who really stood out.”

However, Keane's praise for Bellingham came at the expense of the rest of the England squad. He questioned the performances of several senior players, highlighting a lack of creativity and a general lack of intensity throughout the match. He argued that while the win was important for maintaining their position in the World Cup qualifying group, the manner of victory was deeply concerning.

“It’s Andorra, let’s be honest,” Keane continued. “They’re not going to test you like a top nation. But you still expect a certain level of performance, a certain hunger. And I just didn't see enough of that tonight. Too many players looked a yard off the pace.”

Tuchel himself acknowledged that the performance wasn't perfect, but emphasized the importance of securing the three points. He pointed to the difficult conditions and Andorra’s defensive resilience as factors that contributed to the lack of attacking fluidity. However, he also admitted that there's room for improvement and that he expects a higher level of performance from his players in future matches.

The focus now shifts to England’s upcoming matches against Poland and Hungary, where a more convincing display will be required to quell the growing concerns surrounding their attacking capabilities. With the World Cup on the horizon, Tuchel and his squad need to find a way to unlock their potential and deliver the performances that England fans have been yearning for. The spotlight will firmly be on players like Bellingham to step up and lead the charge.

Keane's comments serve as a stark reminder that while England may be topping their qualifying group, there's still a significant amount of work to be done before they can be considered genuine contenders for the World Cup.