Gary Neville has revealed an X-rated argument between Roy Keane and Ian Wright as the pundits clashed over England’s mentality and approach to games.
The Three Lions will be hoping to prove their doubters wrong when they face Slovakia in the last-16 at the Arena AufSchalke, after a shaky start to Euro 2024.
With two draws and one win from their opening three games, Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping for an emphatic performance on the night.
And, ahead of the game, debate has been rife among supporters and also for pundits as Keane and Wright clashed over England’s displays in recent years.
Speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville revealed the X-rated messages and began by reading out one of Keane’s texts to the former Arsenal striker.
Ian Wright (left) and Roy Keane (right) clashed about England’s mentality over text message
Gary Neville revealed the X-rated argument ahead of the Three Lions’ clash against Slovakia
Gareth Southgate (front) and his side are hoping to secure their place in the quarter-finals
Neville said: ‘This was after a long conversation: You brought the Euro final up you f***ing egg!’.
Wright then quickly interjected to say: ‘That’s Roy! That’s Roy to me!’ while addressing the camera.
Neville then continued reading Keane’s texts, which said: ‘All bulls*** about being afraid to fail. What bulls*** that is! England are the best at it so they should be f***ing used to it.
‘All ex-England players thinking they know about the game when they won f*** all.
‘And then, too lazy themselves to get their f***ing coaching badges but preach about tactics and systems and playing between the f***ing lines. Turns my f***ing stomach.
Former Arsenal striker Wright then queried: ‘Where’d you get that anger from?’ Keane responded: ‘Because you said something at the start! Go back to what he said!’
Neville then continued: This is what Ian said: History shows we don’t take the initiative when we’re winning. Fight and desire doesn’t help when you’re afraid to fail. Euro’s final, scored in two minutes and after that, at Wembley, we had five shots.
‘You [Keane] then responded: England beat Germany 2-0 in Euro 2020 and they had five shots with four on target. So you can win big games with limited chances, being clinical and don’t give much away simply.
Keane then asked: ‘Then what does he say?’. Neville replied: ‘He said: I’m talking about a final at home. The f*** are you talking about?’.
Wright, Keane, Neville and Jill Scott (right) looked back over the texts while on Stick to Football
Wright had questioned England’s mentality given the fact they failed to win the Euro 2020 final despite playing at Wembley and taking the lead inside the opening two minutes
Wright, 60, has been one of the pundits who’s offered their opinion on England’s approach throughout Euro 2024 and even suggested Southgate brings Cole Palmer into the side.
‘He’s looking to get it into you, any time he gets on the ball,’ he said of Palmer. ‘He’s looking to progress it, play it forward, play one twos, he’s a progressive player.
‘I saw a stat about Kieran Trippier being our second most productive player, touches and passes. I’m thinking, how are we going to get Palmer into the team if that’s the case?
‘With how naturally left-sided Saka is, could you maybe put Saka at left back, put Palmer on the right? Simply because we need to get some balance and fluidity in the game.’
Palmer was one of a number of second half changes by Southgate, which also included Kobbie Mainoo, who was introduced at half time, and Anthony Gordon.
Meanwhile, former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes, as well as Keane, hit back at Wright’s comments via a post onto his Instagram account.
Paul Scholes took aim at Wright over his suggestion to move Bukayo Saka to left-back
The Man United legend took to Instagram to offer his opinion for the Slovakia game
He wrote: ‘Making me p**s these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left-back because they’re afraid he’s going to be left out for Palmer.’
Scholes also had his say on the midfield, adding: ‘Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches please Dec. (Rice) Laters.’
The Manchester United midfielder is clearly Scholes’ choice to partner Rice and selection has been a massive topic of conversation all tournament.
Scholes, who won 66 caps for England, shot down the idea of moving Bellingham back alongside Rice, writing: ‘Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice… p**s right off!’
