KEANE TO BURY DESPAIR
Everton star aims for Euros after World Cup woe
EVERTON’S Michael Keane hopes to bury his World Cup heartache and book his ticket to the Euros over England’s next seven games.
England’s Nations League game in Iceland next Saturday kicks off a busy run of seven games between September and November for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
Keane has been recalled by Southgate for the first time since winning his 10th cap in October and the Blues centre-half intends to grab his chance.
The former Manchester United trainee was gutted to miss out on the 2018 World Cup and does not want to be disappointed again.
“It’s a huge year for England with the Euros next summer,” he said.
“I missed out on the last World Cup, so I’m desperate to be involved. These seven games are going to be key.
“I thought after lockdown I played well and was consistent, so I felt I had a good chance. But there are a lot of good English centre-halves and a big pool to pick from. I wasn’t sure if I would be in, so was really pleased when I got the text.
“Hopefully I can play and carry on my form this season and cement my place.”
Southgate spoke to Keane as part of a ring-round of all his England players.
The pair have worked together for a number of years and Keane played 15 times for the Under21s when Southgate was in charge before the former Middlesbrough boss gave him his senior debut in 2017.
“It was good of him to do that,” said Keane. “During lockdown, he spoke to every player who has been with England for a catch-up.
“I have worked with him since the Under-21s and we have a good relationship.
“I can call him whenever I want and he will call me, too. It’s good to have that relationship. He knows what kind of player I am.
“I have trained with him loads, he knows my qualities and what I can bring to the team and it definitely helps that we know each other so well.”
Keane has improved under Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti and performed well in the final nine games of the season after lockdown.
“I am full of confidence and since the new manger came I have played really well. While you can do well for England, the main thing is your club form,” he added.
“That’s what keeps you coming back.
“You can play well for England, but if you don’t play well for your club in between you won’t get picked with the number of good centre-backs we have.
“I’ve had a lot of good spells with Everton, but like everybody, I need to do it for a whole season, not just half a season, or threequarters of a
season.”