Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has predicted that England will be eliminated from the World Cup in the quarter-finals, citing a lack of tactical flexibility and the strength of potential opponents.
England secured a spot in the last 16 after a come-from-behind victory against DR Congo, their first such win in the tournament since 1966. Despite captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to secure the win, Keane noted the team's struggles for much of the match.
Their next fixture is against Mexico in Mexico City, a match manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged will be challenging due to the high altitude. Keane, however, believes England possesses enough quality in players like Jude Bellingham and Kane to overcome Mexico.
"I think they beat Mexico on Monday, but if they get through to the likes of Brazil and Argentina, that's when the trouble will really start," Keane stated on the "Stick to Football" show. "If they play like they have done, it's against those teams where they'll come unstuck."
Keane feels England are nearing their performance limit. "I don't think England have got too much more to go, which is why I'm saying they'll get to the quarters," he explained. "The couple of individuals that are world-class have kicked in, but they can only get you so far as well. I don't think England have many more gears they can go, whereas France has got another 20%."
Beyond tactical concerns, Keane also expressed reservations about England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. "There is also a worry for me about the goalkeeper," Keane said, referring to a goal conceded early in the DR Congo match. "If he's got anything about himself, he'd be saying that he should have saved that."
Keane also commented on the post-match celebrations, including the team singing Oasis's "Wonderwall." He mimicked captain Harry Kane's enthusiastic reception from fans, remarking, "What's amazing? A load of fans singing an Oasis song. Electric that."