Roy Keane could not hide his frustration with Senegal's 'lovely but annoying' fans as they made their presence felt ahead of the World Cup clash with England.
The Lions of Teranga took on the Three Lions in the round of 16 on Sunday evening, with the a place in the quarter-finals against France on the line. There was a tremendous atmosphere inside Al Bayt Stadium long before kick-off, with Senegal supporters - led by the 12eme Gainde fan group - particularly vocal as they sung, danced and played instruments.
While ITV presenter Mark Pougatch, alongside pundits Ian Wright and Gary Neville, revelled in the boisterous mood in the 69,000-seater ground, Keane was less than impressed and confessed the constant noise was getting to him.
"Very annoying," the Irishman said of Senegal's fans. "You'd think they'd calm down a little bit. It's getting on my nerves. It's lovely but it's annoying." Ahead of kick-off, the pundits' other musings centred on the three-man midfield of Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham which Gareth Southgate selected.
"I think it is more conservative," Neville said of the set-up. "I don't think England have been fluid in that area but Jordan Henderson is dependable, he's played in big games for Liverpool and for England. Kalvin Phillips is short of football, Mason Mount's been out of form, Gareth has told us he doesn't see Jack Grealish or Phil Foden as central midfielders, it's the right choice, a little bit safe. I know the fans would like creativity but I'm sure Jordan will do a good job for us tonight."
Keane chimed in: " I think it could be more Rice sitting, two players getting forward. Jordan's played in that position before. I think that's a solid midfield, no problem with it.
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"You've got three great attackers in your team, it's their job to go and win the game. Do their jobs, their mindset, and the first thing to do is not to lose it. So I think it's a solid midfield. No problem for Jordan Henderson in there, he's played in big games over the years, no problem."
Ahead of the midfield trio, Southgate deployed Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, while Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw lined up in defence, with Jordan Pickford in goal. Many were disappointed to see Marcus Rashford named on the bench after he scored twice against Wales to ensure England topped Group B.
Wright admitted the Manchester United forward would be "a little bit upset" by the decision but insisted he had the ability to change the game as a substitute, adding: "We'v e seen him come off the bench and do well."
