Roy Keane has dismissed the widespread praise for Thomas Tuchel's half-time team talk during England's 4-2 win over Croatia as an overreaction, insisting the manager was merely doing his job.
Speaking to ITV, the Manchester United legend said: "Is it a bit of an overreaction to his half-time team talk? What's he supposed to do? That is his job isn't it? That's the manager's job to give them the information and they go out and produce. That's what any top manager will do, you get them at half-time and you remind them what they're supposed to be doing. It's a bit over the top."
England's comeback victory
England trailed 2-1 at half-time after Harry Kane's opener was cancelled out by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. However, a second-half resurgence saw goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford seal a 4-2 victory in their Group L opener. Kane added a second goal to complete his brace before Bellingham and Rashford struck.
Tuchel and assistant coach Anthony Barry were reportedly unhappy with the first-half display, prompting a stern team talk that players later credited as a turning point.
Players praise Tuchel
Kane said after the match: "I thought it was a game of two halves. I thought first half we were OK but really disappointed to concede the way we did. Credit to the manager. The manager gave us a speech at half-time, just to say if we lose we lose, but we lose in our way. You saw that the way we came out in the second half, we came out full gas. They couldn't live with it and that's the level we have to set every game."
Declan Rice also lauded Tuchel, saying: "All round I think it was a great performance. He [Tuchel] was top at half-time. The words he used, what he said, settled everyone. I can't say too much, but it was just one of those moments where you're like, wow, what a top manager. I think we went out in the second half, and everyone was relaxed, and we just went for it."
Keane's perspective
Despite the players' praise, Keane remained unimpressed, suggesting the reaction was excessive for what he views as standard managerial duties. England's defensive frailties in the first half were evident, but the team improved significantly after the break.
England's next World Cup match will be against an as-yet-unconfirmed opponent, as they aim to build on their opening victory.
