Roy Keane: The 'biggest danger to England vs Ukraine is THEMSELVES'

Roy Keane warns the ‘biggest danger to England is THEMSELVES’ against Ukraine… but admits the Three Lions will go to Rome with momentum as he hails Gareth Southgate for ensuring there is ‘no circus’ around his squad

  • England face Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome on Saturday night 
  • Keane said there’s no circus around this group unlike previous England teams 
  • He praised Southgate and insisted his personality is a key factor to their success
  • Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here

Roy Keane has claimed the biggest danger to England ahead of their Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine is themselves – but praised Gareth Southgate for ensuring there is no ‘circus’ around the squad unlike in previous tournaments. 

England face Andriy Shevchenko’s outfit at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday evening with the nation hopeful of potentially securing a semi-final spot against either Czech Republic or Denmark.

The Three Lions head to the Italian capital as the heavy favourites but former Manchester United midfielder Keane warned them about complacency ahead of facing Ukraine. 

Roy Keane warned England the biggest threat to their chances of beating Ukraine is themselves

Keane said previous England teams had a circus around them at major tournaments

But Keane also reserved special praise for England boss Southgate for establishing a strong team spirit in the group and being able to keep his star players grounded.

‘In lots of big tournaments there’s been a circus around England, with certain personalities; we don’t see it with this group,’ he said on ITV ahead of Spain and Switzerland’s quarter-final.

‘There’ll be egos within the group, there’s some big players at big clubs. But this is where Gareth’s management skills come into it. The biggest danger to England against Ukraine is themselves.

‘I wouldn’t be looking too far ahead. Gareth’s personality is a big help to this England group. He’s so calm, you can only look at the next game as the next game is always the hardest game.

But the ex-Manchester United captain said there was no ‘circus’ around this squad of players

The Irishman also praised boss Southgate (centre) for his management skills and personality

‘The fact they’re keeping clean sheets, showing strength in depth, players coming off the bench having an influence – we saw (Jack) Grealish the other day (have an influence). And (Harry) Kane is maybe on the up with his goal.’

The fiery former United captain also delivered his verdict on whether to rest Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice or Phil Foden, all of whom are a yellow card against Ukraine away from a suspension in a potential semi-final.

He added: ‘I’d just look at the next game and this idea of resting players for a quarter-final at a big tournament is a dangerous route to go down. Gareth has to focus on picking the best players to get over the line and he’s done a brilliant job so far.’ 




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