Roy Keane Calls Out England Star For Being ‘A Bit Soft’ Despite flawless Albania Win

Roy Keane Calls Out England Star For Being ‘A Bit Soft’ Despite flawless Albania Win

England wrapped up their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a perfect record, but the post-match conversation took a spicy twist thanks to Roy Keane—football’s most reliable generator of blunt honesty.

While the Three Lions cruised to a 2-0 victory over Albania, Keane singled out young Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton for a critique that instantly caught headlines. Wharton, just 21, started in England’s midfield and delivered a tidy performance, but for Keane, tidy isn’t enough.

keane likes wharton… but wants more fire

Keane, speaking on ITV Sport, praised Wharton’s bravery on the ball—specifically his instinct to pass forward rather than sideways. But the legendary Manchester United captain warned that to become a true midfield general, Wharton needs to toughen up mentally.

According to Keane,
“He’s a bit soft there… shout at players, go ‘give me the ball!’ That’s what midfielders do.”

It wasn’t a dismissal—far from it. Keane sees massive potential, but emphasized that presence and command are just as important as technical skill. In short: Wharton has the talent, now he needs the authority.

england flawless, tuchel’s headache begins

Beyond Wharton’s spotlight moment, the night belonged to Harry Kane (again), who delivered a decisive brace. The Bayern Munich striker’s tally is now a staggering 78 goals in 112 caps, extending his record as England’s greatest scorer.

England scored 22 goals, conceded zero, and didn’t drop a single point across eight qualifiers. It doesn’t get more flawless than that.

Now manager Thomas Tuchel faces a very different challenge: deciding who makes the final squad. With Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Wharton, and others all fighting for midfield spots, the competition is fierce.

kane praises england’s mentality

Kane admitted the Albania match was one of the toughest in the group. England had to stay patient, break down a stubborn defence, and capitalise late in the game. The captain highlighted how much England rely on squad depth, noting that impact substitutes are key for tournament success.

From set-piece adjustments to grinding out the win, England showed that even on off-nights, they can still control games and deliver results.

what this means heading into 2026

England’s perfect campaign is a huge statement. They are not just qualifying—they are positioning themselves as genuine contenders. And players like Wharton represent the next generation of England’s midfield future.

If Roy Keane’s advice sticks, he might just transform from “a bit soft” to England’s next great midfield enforcer.