Everton exclusive: Kevin Campbell surprised by ‘brilliant’ Keane’s England snub
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campell was surprised when he found out that Everton defender Michael Keane hadn’t been selected for England ahead of March’s World Cup qualifiers.
Keane has been a regular in recent Three Lions squads but he was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s 23 on this occasion.
Campbell insists Keane’s Everton form has been good enough to merit an international call up and he’s backing the defender to challenge for a spot at this summer’s European Championship.
“I’m surprised actually because Michael Keane has been brilliant for Everton,” Campbell exclusively told Goodison News.
“The problem is that England have a lot of centre-halves at the minute. If you’re playing well for your club and you don’t get picked… I’m sure he’ll be really disappointed.
“But, it gives him an opportunity to take stock and have a break, ready to come back for the last 10 games of the Premier League season. Then he can stake a claim for the Euros.
“Gareth Southgate knows what Keane can do so let’s see.”
Keane has been one of our standout players this season and his England snub is puzzling.
The inclusion of John Stones and Tyrone Mings are no brainers, they’ve been very good this season.
However, has Keane really been that much worse than Harry Maguire?
The Manchester United captain has been heavily criticised by fans and pundits this season despite the Red Devils’ league position.
For context, Maguire has won 67.7% of his defensive duels in the Premier League this season compared to Keane’s 75%. [Wyscout]
This is just one stat but it’s a fairly important one for a central defender and it proves that Keane has been better than Maguire in a key area.
At least we can count on Keane’s fitness when the Premier League returns instead of worrying about his availability ahead of a key run of fixtures.
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand has showered praise on Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.