Roy Keane has thrown his support behind Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola as the perfect candidate for the England manager role, following interim boss Lee Carsley’s comments suggesting he might not be ready for the position full-time. After England’s 3-1 victory over Finland, Carsley hinted that the job deserves a “world-class coach” with more experience, sparking speculation about his future.
Keane, known for his blunt analysis, suggested that the Football Association (FA) should go “for the best” and target Guardiola, whose contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season. Speaking to ITV Sport, Keane emphasized the need for a high-profile coach with a proven track record, stating, “The FA have to go after the right guy… Go for Pep. Go for the best.”
Guardiola’s name has been circulating in discussions about potential England managers, especially with his uncertain future at Manchester City. If Carsley rules himself out, Keane believes the FA should waste no time in making Guardiola an offer.
In addition to his managerial recommendations, Keane critiqued England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the Liverpool star’s impressive free-kick goal in the win over Finland. “You give time to Trent, and his quality passing is fantastic,” Keane admitted. However, he was quick to criticize Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performance, stating, “I can’t believe how bad he is defensively. Against better teams, he’ll be found out.”
Keane referenced Alexander-Arnold’s recent defensive struggles against Greece, arguing that his lack of defensive solidity could be a major weakness for England moving forward. While the Liverpool defender’s attacking prowess is undeniable, Keane’s concerns raise questions about his suitability in high-pressure matches.
As the FA considers its next move, Keane’s call for Guardiola and his critique of Alexander-Arnold’s game will undoubtedly fuel further debate about England’s future on and off the pitch.
