England’s disappointing World Cup performance has reportedly sparked fierce criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, with Anthony Gordon finding himself at the centre of the storm after an underwhelming display that left fans and pundits frustrated.

The criticism comes after England failed to impose themselves in a match many expected them to control comfortably. Despite entering the contest as overwhelming favourites, Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a disciplined defensive opponent, leading to renewed questions about England’s mentality and tactical execution on the biggest stage.

According to reports surrounding the aftermath of the game, England captain Harry Kane had delivered a clear warning to his teammates before kickoff. The Bayern Munich striker reportedly highlighted England’s long-standing tendency to lose focus and intensity during the second match of major tournament group stages, urging the squad to remain fully concentrated.

However, those warnings appeared to go unheeded.

Former Republic of Ireland international Roy Keane was reportedly among the most critical voices following the performance, singling out the team’s lack of urgency and accusing certain players of failing to rise to the occasion.

Keane’s strongest criticism was directed towards Anthony Gordon, who endured a difficult evening on England’s left flank. The Barcelona winger, known for his explosive pace and direct attacking style, struggled to influence proceedings and was unable to provide the width and penetration Tuchel’s tactical setup demanded.

England’s game plan reportedly relied heavily on creating overloads in wide areas, stretching the opposition’s defensive structure and opening spaces for Kane and the attacking midfielders. Yet those patterns rarely materialised, leaving England looking predictable and lacking creativity in the final third.

The failure to execute those instructions became a major talking point after the match.

Keane did not hide his frustration.

“It’s embarrassing… they never learn,” Keane reportedly said during his post-match analysis.

“Your captain warns you about dropping your levels, he tells you exactly what to expect from a defensive side, and you still go out there and put in a lazy performance. Some of these young players think they’ve made it because of big-money transfers, but this is the World Cup. You can’t hide.”

The comments quickly generated intense debate among supporters, with many agreeing that England looked well below their best despite possessing one of the strongest squads in international football.

While Gordon was the primary focus of criticism, questions were also raised about the collective performance of the team. England’s attacking players struggled to find rhythm throughout the match, while the movement off the ball lacked the sharpness typically associated with Tuchel’s sides.

Several former players and analysts pointed out that England appeared to underestimate the challenge posed by a defensively organised opponent. Rather than moving the ball quickly and exploiting spaces between the lines, the team often looked slow and predictable in possession.

For Gordon, the scrutiny represents another challenge in what has otherwise been a remarkable rise over recent seasons. After establishing himself as one of English football’s most exciting young talents, the winger earned a high-profile move to Barcelona and has become an increasingly important figure for the national team.

Yet with expectations higher than ever, performances on the international stage inevitably attract greater attention.

Tuchel now faces the task of ensuring the criticism does not become a distraction as England prepare for the next phase of the tournament. The German manager has repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and responding positively to setbacks, and he will be expecting a significant improvement from his players in the coming matches.

Harry Kane, meanwhile, is likely to play a crucial leadership role in the dressing room. England’s all-time leading goalscorer has consistently stressed the need for professionalism and concentration during major tournaments, qualities that have helped him become one of the most respected figures in world football.

Whether Keane’s criticism proves to be a wake-up call remains to be seen.

What is certain is that England’s margin for error continues to shrink. Expectations surrounding the squad remain enormous, and performances that fall below the required standard will inevitably come under intense scrutiny.

If England are to fulfil their ambitions of lifting the World Cup, they will need to respond quickly, rediscover their intensity, and prove that Kane’s warning has finally been heard.