Roy Keane has challenged Thomas Tuchel regarding his strong criticism of Gareth Southgate`s England team at Euro 2024.
Just before Tuchel`s first game in charge on Friday night, ITV expert Keane implied that the German coach`s assessment was excessive.
The new England manager Tuchel reintroduced Marcus Rashford for the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn debuted, and Liverpool`s Curtis Jones also started.
This revised lineup followed Tuchel`s assertion that Southgate`s team lacked “hunger” and “excitement” last summer, despite reaching their second consecutive Euros final.
Manchester United icon Keane seems to think the former Chelsea manager had a point but might have been too critical.
Keane commented, “It seems a bit harsh on Gareth, but I understand his perspective.”
Southgate resigned after a 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, three years after a similar defeat to Italy at the same stage on penalties.
Tuchel, who officially succeeded Southgate in October, openly shared a severe evaluation of England`s performances in Germany last summer this week.
When questioned by ITV about what England lacked in the previous Euros, he responded, “Identity, clarity, rhythm, and consistent patterns.”
“The freedom and expression of players, the hunger were missing.”
“They seemed more concerned about being eliminated from the tournament, in my opinion, rather than displaying the eagerness and drive to win.”
When asked what England needed most, he stated, “Excitement.”
“The perception that people consider this team as the one to beat. That we arrive with a group ready to conquer.”
“That everyone recognizes upon our arrival, after qualification, that we are the team to defeat.”
