Roy Keane slams 'shocking' Southgate decision as England battle their way to Euro quarter-finals

Roy Keane said he was shocked that Gareth Southgate made no changes to his England side at half-time as they looked set to lose 1-0 to Slovakia in the last 16 of the Euros.

Keane added that the key decision could have cost Southgate his job as England manager, only for an extra-time winner from Harry Kane.

Looking at the players returning after the break, with England trailing by a goal, Keane, who was on analyst duty for ITV, said: “I’d be shocked (if Southgate hadn’t made any changes) at the break). He could be fired in 45 minutes if he doesn’t do something about it. »

Gareth Southgate of England gestures during the end of the UEFA EURO 2024 Group C match between England and Slovenia at the stadium in Cologne, Germany on June 25, 2024. Photo: Emin Sansar/ Anadolu via Getty Images — Gareth Southgate. Photo: Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images

Ian Wright added: “At least make your decisions freely.

“He can’t do that (not make changes), not the way we played that first half, something has to change. »

Gary Neville also criticised Southgate’s decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out, saying: “Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s illegal for that boy not to play football in a game like this for England today.

“This is the kid who is the best football player we’ve ever seen at right-back or full-back in this country. He needs to be on the pitch.”

However, Southgate appeared justified in his decision to keep Bellingham and Kane on the pitch for a little longer, as both scored – the former just moments from the end of normal time.

Kane scored the winner in extra time and England are now through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 despite another poor performance.