Roy Keane hammers Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Liverpool star in England squad
Former Manchester United captain turned footballing pundit Roy Keane has laid into England manager Gareth Southgate for making the decision to include Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson in his final 23-man squad for this summer’s Euros.
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Henderson, through injury, has missed several matches for Liverpool during the latter stages of the recently concluded 2020-21 domestic season.
However, after seemingly winning the race to get back to full fitness ahead of this summer’s major international tournament, the 30-year-old skipper has been awarded a place in Southgate’s Three Lions squad.
England was back in action on Sunday evening when they faced Romania in their final friendly before the start of the Euros next week.
However, after failing to make Southgate’s starting line-up, Henderson wasn’t introduced until after the half-time break.
The midfielder’s evening didn’t end well after he came on and failed to convert a spot-kick, but nevertheless, Liverpool fans would have been pleased to see their skipper back playing.
Having said that though, one person who was not happy to see Henderson included was ITV pundit Keane, who in true ‘Keano-fashion’, used his platform to unleash a barrage of criticism on Southgate’s decision.
“It’s already a distraction for Jordan,” he told ITV (as quoted by Eurosport). “I was convinced he was going to play the other day. I know there’s talk he’ll come out for the second half, but why not start him in the first 45 minutes where there will be more intensity?
“In the second half there are going to be plenty of changes. I think it is a huge distraction, I don’t think he should be involved.
“If he can’t start the game against Romania, because physically and mentally today’s game won’t be that tough for him… He’s an experienced player but he’s not kicked a ball in three months, going to a European Championship, it’s not right.
“I’ve heard people say they want him around the place – for what? Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing-song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?”
Roy Keane on Jordan Henderson… ?
“Clearly Jordan’s not fit – I don’t think he should be involved… I’ve heard people say they want him around the place – for what? Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?” pic.twitter.com/YhYaXxg8FX
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 6, 2021
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