England fell to a 3-1 defeat against Senegal at the City Ground as the Three Lions were left to rue a lack of concentration at the back with Kyle Walker coming in for criticism
22:53, 10 Jun 2025
Roy Keane at the City Ground
Roy Keane didn't hold back(Image: PA)
Kyle Walker has been on the receiving end of a brutal takedown by Roy Keane, with the ex-Manchester United skipper branding the defender 'lazy'.
Walker found himself in the firing line for his role in Senegal's first goal as England stumbled to a 3-1 loss at the City Ground. The Three Lions had initially taken the lead thanks to Harry Kane, but Ismaila Sarr and Habib Diarra turned the tables before Jude Bellingham's equaliser was chalked off by VAR for handball in the buildup. Cheikh Sabaly then sealed the deal for Senegal in added time.
Thomas Tuchel's lads kicked off strongly, yet a defensive slip let Senegal back into the fray. Trevoh Chalobah, tracking his Chelsea mate Nicolas Jackson who took down a lofted pass, failed to stop a high ball into the danger zone.
Walker, despite being in a prime spot, was caught napping as the ball sailed over Chalobah's head, giving Crystal Palace's Sarr the chance to slot home unchallenged. The Manchester City man was left sprawling after being caught flat-footed.
Keane didn't mince words about Walker's performance during ITV's game coverage, reports the Mirror.
"If this is a young right back, you're thinking it's inexperience," Keane remarked. "But I think he's being lazy.
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Ismaila Sarr of Senegal scores his team's first goal under pressure from Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker was slated by Roy Keane after Senegal's goal(Image: Getty Images)
"He almost can't be bothered getting back. For a vastly experienced player, you can't be making mistakes like that." Ian Wright chimed in, remarking: "If Kyle gets in there, he probably clears that."
Ex-Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon didn't hold back either. While on air, he commented: "As a defender, you have to think the worst is going to happen. "The ball is going to be kept in, and you have got to be ahead of the game. Just look at Walker.
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"Sarr is goal side He has to expect the ball to come in. He just goes to sleep. Poor from Walker." Roy Keane weighed in, suggesting such blunders will leave Tuchel pondering over several squad members.
"Every time I watch England in the last few games, I think they could do a lot more," he observed. "It's as if they're waiting for a setback.
"That said, Gordon should score, they should be 2-0 up. Walker shouldn't make a mistake. Ultimately, the manager will still have question marks over some of these players."