Everton defender Michael Keane has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign on Merseyside, but it is a decision he made away from the Blues that he is really regretting.
David Moyes has been forced to rely on the 32-year-old centre-back following the latest injury to Jarrad Branthwaite, which has set him back in his 2025/26 efforts.
Having seen his contract expire at the end of last season, Keane inked a new deal on Merseyside to continue his eight-year career with the Blues.
And it is a decision which he must be delighted with, having seen former manager Sean Dyche hail Keane for his contributions over recent months.
Although the 62-year-old Everton boss may have Jake O’Brien at his disposal, it is Keane who has partnered James Tarkowski throughout the opening 11 games of the Premier League campaign.
Even Duncan Ferguson was wowed by Keane’s headed goal against West Ham United last month.
However, there must be a part of Keane which is now regretting a decision he made back in 2012.
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Everton’s Michael Keane must regret Ireland snub amid World Cup hope
Keane admitted he considered leaving Everton this summer, with options on the table for the 32-year-old defender.
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He will have no regrets about remaining on Merseyside as he now plays regular Premier League football in Branthwaite’s absence.
But he may well be regretting his decision to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.
Back in 2012, Keane decided he would commit to representing England at international level despite his ties with the Irish youth sides.
Everton fans think Keane looks like a player reborn under Moyes and he is doing a fine job in keeping the Irishman, O’Brien, out of his natural position.
With Keane playing so well, many would expect him to be a shoo-in for the Ireland side had he not changed his allegiance.
Michael Keane’s international path Total appearances
England 12
Englans U21s 17
Englans U20s 3
Englans U19s 7
Ireland U19s 1
Ireland U17s 2
Although the 32-year-old has represented England 12 times, he has not played at a major tournament with the Three Lions.
Meanwhile, Ireland now have the opportunity to play at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that Keane may well feel he could have played at had he not chosen England.
Representing Ireland may have saw Keane leave Everton this summer
Although it could have provided Keane an opportunity to play at the World Cup, representing Ireland may have seen Keane leave at the end of his deal.
Had he been representing Ireland, Keane may have felt he needed to leave Everton over the summer to play regular minutes this season ahead of the World Cup.
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Ireland’s manager has urged Moyes to play Seamus Coleman more often despite still selecting him in both games over the international break.
But it may have been different for Keane, who will likely have thought he would currently be the back-up for Branthwaite, had it not been for his latest injury.
Keane has been a huge part of Everton’s 2025/25 campaign and Everton fans will be thankful that he did choose to stay in the end.
With a return to his former club on Monday evening, Keane will have an eye on helping Moyes get his first away win in the Premier League at Old Trafford.