Roy Keane questioned Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger’s involvement in the goal Germany conceded against France last night.
Speaking at half time for ITV’s European Championship coverage, Keane was highly critical of Rudiger’s defending for what was ultimately the French winner.
Germany failed to deal with a throw-in just inside their own half, which led to Paul Pogba playing a wonderful ball out to Theo Hernandez.
His first-time cross flashed across the six-yard area, only for Mats Hummel’s to slice the cross into his own net.
It was a mess all round from a German perspective, who fell to defeat in their opening Euros fixture.
Ruing Rudiger
Rudiger, who started the game in defence, was part of the muddle leading up to Hummel’s howler.
He was drawn to an area he could have left alone, which ultimately opened up gaps for the French to exploit.
Keane couldn’t quite believe what Chelsea’s often reliable centre-back was thinking.
“For so many players to be in the wrong position at this level, there’s no excuse,” said the former Manchester United captain.
“Rudiger should be minding his own business. Why he’s getting drawn into that and chasing people?
“It’s childlike, trying to chase the ball. Really poor goal to concede.”
Chelsea all over
That sequence of mistakes put Joachim Lowe’s side on the back foot, a set-back they failed to recover from.
Although Germany dominated possession, they failed to find a way through the French fortress.
Rudiger’s fellow Chelsea teammates, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, couldn’t break down the door.
N’Golo Kante’s typically tenacious performance can be thanked for that.
The 30-year-old was a constant screen in front of his back four, who themselves defended admirably.
France face Hungary next, whilst Germany have a mountain to climb when they play Portugal.