Roy Keane’s Hilarious Response About His Daughter Marrying England International
Roy Keane delivered a priceless reaction when asked about his daughter’s engagement to England footballer Taylor Harwood-Bellis during a live television broadcast. The Manchester United legend was serving as a pundit for England’s Nations League match against Ireland last November when the subject came up.
The Three Lions dominated the game at Wembley Stadium, defeating Ireland 5-0. Among the goal scorers was Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was making his England debut and happens to be engaged to Keane’s daughter, Leah.
When ITV host Mark Pougatch mentioned that Harwood-Bellis was Keane’s future son-in-law after highlighting his goal, Keane responded with his characteristic dry humor:
"Bittersweet for me, this," Keane quipped before adding with a smile, "It [the wedding] is not done and dusted yet! Things can change very quickly in the Keane household."
Despite the joke, Keane quickly followed up with genuine praise for the young defender: "No, he’s a really nice kid, his family have done a good job. Over the last few months, he’s definitely been a goal threat playing for Southampton, it’s nice for him."
The England Debut That Impressed
Harwood-Bellis’s England debut was certainly memorable as he:
- Scored England’s fifth goal with a well-placed header
- Demonstrated solid defensive skills throughout the match
- Impressed interim manager Lee Carsley enough to earn his first cap
- Celebrated the achievement with his fiancée, Leah Keane
The 23-year-old Southampton defender revealed his excitement when first learning about his England selection: "I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride. I was with my partner. Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud, the fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors. All my family were delighted."
This family connection between one of England’s most promising defenders and the famously tough-minded Irish football legend Roy Keane creates an interesting dynamic, especially during international matches between the two nations.
The match against Ireland marked Lee Carsley’s final game as England’s interim manager. With Thomas Tuchel now appointed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent replacement, Harwood-Bellis will be hoping to maintain his place in the squad when Tuchel names his first England selection.
Tuchel has reportedly been watching numerous matches across England as he prepares to announce his first squad since taking the helm of the national team.
Are you excited to see if Harwood-Bellis continues his England career under new management? Follow our coverage of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad announcement this Friday to find out which players make the cut!