'Going along nicely': Roy Keane warns the Netherlands ahead of clash with England

Never quick to praise, Roy Keane has given one of the strongest endorsements of England’s Euro 2024 campaign so far, with the former Ireland and Manchester United midfielder backing Gareth Southgate’s men to go all the way to the final.

Speaking with Gary Neville, Jill Scott and Ian Wright on their podcast, Stick to Football: The Overlap, Roy Keane has described the England team as, “in a great place,” which may come as a shock to some viewers.

Tournament football is all about being the best team when it matters most, which is why Keane has suggested England are looking to, “peak at the right time”.

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Whilst there are many critics of England under Gareth Southgate, no one can deny his players look far more relaxed during crunch moments than almost any other England manager, with the recent victory in a penalty shootout over Switzerland showcasing exactly that, with all five of England’s takers scoring.

Keane's punditry can, at times, seem almost performatively negative, so for him to say, “if you're Gareth Southgate's players, I'm telling you – it's going along nicely,” suggests he is as big a believer in England’s chances as anyone.

Keane continued by telling his co-hosts, “I fancy England to win the semi-final… England will beat that [referencing their quarter-final performance against Turkey] Holland.”

Keane was less positive about England’s chances if they do reach the final, saying, “with that level of performance against France or Spain, if they're at it, it probably wouldn't be enough,” given Spain have looked a level above most teams in the competition so far, it’s tough to argue.

However, Keane sanguineness continued, with the former United captain saying England can, “cross that bridge when you get to it”.

Gary Neville, speaking on the same podcast, suggested he was “surprised we [England] didn't go on and win 2-1,” following Bukayo Saka’s late equaliser. Keane rebuffed Neville’s comments, saying, “I never thought England would lose.”

Keane’s endorsement and England’s relaxed and happy squad will mean nothing if they can’t beat the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final, tune in to find out if Keane’s predictions will come true and let us know if you think England can win it all in the comments.

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