Roy Keane jokinigly warned future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis that ‘things can change quickly’ in his household after the England centre-back scored against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
Ireland legend Keane admitted the emotions were mixed when his daughter’s partner headed home England’s fifth on Sunday evening, securing his first senior international goal in the process.
“Bittersweet for me, this,” Keane said on ITV when watching replays of the goal. Host Mark Pougatch responded: “Not everybody knows this, but he is your future son-in-law.”
Keane then had Pougatch and fellow pundit Ian Wright in fits of laughter as he smartly said back: “It’s not done and dusted yet! Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you!”
Harwood-Bellis scored just 17 minutes after coming on to make his England debut, with interim boss Lee Carsley giving a collection of youngsters a chance to prove themselves during his temporary stint at the wheel.
The 22-year-old cut his teeth at Manchester City before joining Southampton permanently this summer, and he has made a positive impression during his first few weeks as a Premier League regular.
After his hilarious response to Harwood-Bellis’ goal, Keane shared some kind words about the defender’s recent rise. “It’s good for him to make his debut,” said the former Manchester United man. “He’s got a bit of a goal threat. He’s a nice kid and his family have done a great job.”
By the time Harwood-Bellis got on the scoresheet, England were already away, clear and over the horizon as Ireland were taken apart in the second half. Harry Kane got the ball rolling with a penalty, which was awarded when Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham as he picked up a second yellow card.
The visitors, with a one-man disadvantage, conceded four more times in the next 26 minutes. Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen also opened their England accounts, with the latter scoring just 30 seconds after coming on as a substitute to guarantee the Three Lions’ promotion back to Nations League A.
There is now a four-month break from international football, and next time England play, Thomas Tuchel will be on the touchline. “Thomas has got a lot of players to choose from,” Kane told ITV after the final whistle. “Young ones and experienced ones who want to come back and fight for their place.
“I’m sure he will be looking at everyone and come March they’ll be ready. [Carsley] has been top drawer. Some of those young lads might not have got the opportunity if it wasn’t for him.”
