Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Roy Keane slams England players for "not taking it seriously" against Kosovo

Roy Keane criticised England's approach to the second half of their , and claimed that the Three Lions players weren't taking the game seriously.

After falling behind within 34 seconds in Southampton , England responded with five goals in the first half to blow their opponents - one of UEFA's newest nations - out of the water.

However, the visitors rallied and were able to strike twice in the second period to eventually lose 5-3, with Harry Kane missing a penalty for Gareth Southgate's men.

While Keane praised England's approach in the first half, he was highly critical of their efforts while they were 5-1 up.

"Sometimes players get bored when the game seems over, that's where the sloppiness comes in," said Keane on ITV Sport.

Sancho and Sterling impressed for England (Action Images via Reuters)

"It's okay giving the ball away, but they compounded it by not getting back round, covering for your teammates.

"If you were on the training pitch at your club you'd think that the players weren't taking it seriously, it was that sloppy."

It was Valon Berisha who stunned England with that early goal, which came about following a dreadful defensive error from England's Michael Keane.

Keane slammed England's second half display (ITV)

However a Raheem Sterling header, Kane's tidy finish and an own goal from Mergim Vojvoda put England firmly in control of the game, before Sterling then twice assisted Jadon Sancho for his first two goals for his country, making it 5-1 to the hosts at half-time.

Berisha struck again at the start of the second half, before Vedat Muriqi made it 5-3 from the penalty spot to cause tension amongst the home fans.

Kane then saw his penalty saved by Ari Muric, but England were able to see out the victory.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.