ROY KEANE launched a passionate rant in favour of England manager Gareth Southgate leaving Gary Neville stunned.
The Irishman hailed the boss as the “calmest man at the Euros” ahead of the final against Spain.
England reached the final with a dramatic winner from Ollie Watkins against Holland.
Before the final kicked off, Keane spoke highly of Southgate and his achievements while in charge of the Three Lions.
Speaking on ITV, he said: “He’s been the calmest man I’ve seen at this tournament – he’s a class guy.
“I think he’s a top-quality guy, I wish him nothing but the best.
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“If tonight is his last game as England manager, I couldn’t begrudge anything against him.
“I think he is a top-quality guy, and I wish him the best.”
Keane went on to praise Southgate’s influence on the players.
He added: “Sometimes you want your manager to show a bit of madness.
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“Gareth does have that edge, but he has got that balance right.
“If he gets that victory tonight it will be huge for him, it will be a big ask but he has done an amazing job.
England vs Spain record
England have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…
- May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)
- December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)
- May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)
- November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)
- March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)
- June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)
- March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)
- February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)
- September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)
- February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)
- February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)
- November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)
- November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)
- September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)
- October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
Keane’s former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville was left stunned by hearing the kind words.
He said: “That’s high praise because we [himself and Ian Wright] have worked with him for a long time, and he has never called up top-class guys.”
Earlier on ITV, presenter Laura Woods bonded with new Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer over their love for Arsenal.
Meanwhile on the BBC, Gary Lineker called out Rio Ferdinand for “child cruelty” after hearing his plan to stop Lamine Yamal.
THE TIME IS NOW
ENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
