Taylor Harwood-Bellis has already made a good impression on Roy Keane but the Southampton defender will bid to catch England boss Thomas Tuchel’s eye this week. Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Keane’s daughter Leah and left the Manchester United icon feeling “bittersweet” last year after scoring his first Three Lions goal against Ireland.
The 23-year-old is not formally part of the England squad but has taken part in training with the seniors this week. Despite making his England debut last year, he was called up to the Under-21s squad for matches against France and Portugal. Adam Wharton and Liam Delap joined Harwood-Bellis in being briefly promoted for Tuesday’s session, England’s first under Tuchel.
Members of the U21s are often asked to train with the seniors when needed. It is an opportunity for young players to impress the England head coach and Harwood-Bellis will certainly hope to have done so, having missed out on an official call-up.
It comes with Harwood-Bellis set to marry Leah Keane. Little is known of their relationship as they post infrequently on social media, although a joint Instagram post last November revealed that Harwood-Bellis had proposed on a romantic trip to Italy.
Snaps from the proposal, which is believed to have taken place earlier in 2024, show Harwood-Bellis popping the question while down on one knee. The couple were sharing a luxurious yacht trip in Europe. The post was published days after Harwood-Bellis scored on his England debut.
Speaking about his connection with former Ireland midfielder Keane, the centre-back said: “It’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”
Keane joked that the proposed marriage was “not done and dusted yet” after Harwood-Bellis scored against Ireland. A 5-0 England victory last November left the 53-year-old feeling “bittersweet”.
“It’s bittersweet for me, this. It is not done and dusted yet. Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you,” Keane quipped on ITV after Harwood-Bellis’ header. “Over the last few months he has got a goal threat, even playing for Southampton. It is nice for him.
“It’s good for him, it’s good for him to make his debut. Like I say, he has a goal threat. He’s a nice kid, his family have done a great job, he is a really nice kid.”
Harwood-Bellis is highly rated by England staff and has captained various age groups, including the U21s. He rose through Manchester City’s youth ranks and scored once in eight appearances for the senior team.
A permanent departure to Southampton was agreed last summer but Harwood-Bellis has endured a tough season. No Premier League team in history has won fewer points after 29 matches than Southampton’s nine and they are currently on course to break Derby’s record-low of 11 from 2007-08.