Keane Backs England to Fall Short Despite Quarter-Final Victory Over Norway

Roy Keane has weighed in on England's World Cup prospects following their hard-fought passage past Norway, offering a verdict that won't have supporters reaching for the champagne just yet.

The Three Lions secured a 2-1 victory over the Norwegians after extra-time on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham once again proving the architect of their escape. The midfielder notched his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament as Gareth Southgate's side clawed their way back from behind to book a semi-final showdown with Argentina.

Bellingham and Harry Kane have been England's driving force throughout the competition, though Declan Rice has arguably underwhelmed by his own exacting standards. Against Norway, the Arsenal midfielder was hauled off at the interval, having entered the fixture already dealing with both a knock and illness that left him visibly struggling.

Speaking on Stick to Football, Keane offered insight into Rice's predicament, suggesting the midfielder may have hit a wall after months of relentless football. "When you're rundown, that's when something gets to you," Keane explained. "He couldn't raise a gallop, could he? He's not a robot. There's been lots of pressure and over the years, going back to his West Ham days, he never misses a game. At some stage there's a tipping point."

The former Manchester United captain highlighted the cumulative toll of Rice's schedule—Europa League football, domestic cup runs, the pursuit of the Premier League title, and now the World Cup. "He's probably thinking, 'I'm running on fumes now', and that's what it is," Keane added.

Rice's fitness for the Argentina semi-final remains uncertain, but Keane isn't convinced England's problems end there. Despite praising manager Thomas Tuchel's willingness to make bold tactical interventions—"he doesn't wait, he gambles"—the pundit remains sceptical about England's ultimate trajectory.

"I still think they'll come up short even with Rice," Keane said bluntly. "They're still short."

That assessment will provide cold comfort to the Three Lions faithful, though Keane did acknowledge that squad depth could yet prove adequate should other players step up. Nevertheless, his conclusion is clear: England remain favourites to disappoint before the final whistle.