England's World Cup players 'get away with murder', says Roy Keane

Keane says England players should 'have a look at themselves'

'To criticise Capello is crazy. He's absolutely brilliant'

James Callow

guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 29 June 2010 10.32 BST

Criticism of the England coach, Fabio Capello, has been unjustified, says Roy Keane. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Roy Keane has launched a passionate defence of Fabio Capello and believes the blame for England's World Cup exit lies solely at the door of the players.

The Ipswich Town manager said England's players "get away with murder" for a series of poor performances.

"To keep criticising and questioning the manager is crazy. He didn't do anything wrong in the qualifying campaign and now, all of a sudden, he's not the top man any more," Keane said.

"The goals they conceded against Germany, particularly the first couple, had nothing to do with Capello's choice of system or tactics. It wasn't a case of getting overrun in midfield. It was just very bad defending."

"They should just leave him to get on with the job. He is absolutely brilliant and England are lucky to have him."

Keane, who walked out of the Republic of Ireland's 2002 World Cup camp after a spat with his manager, Mick McCarthy, believes the majority of England's players are overhyped.

"They have to take a long hard look at themselves. They get away with murder," he said. "I wasn't really surprised by the Germany defeat. I keep saying it – good players don't necessarily make good teams. People keep talking about world class players but who are they?" he added.

"There's probably only Wayne Rooney, who had a brilliant season. But look at the goalkeepers. David James was relegated with Portsmouth and Robert Green just about stayed up with West Ham. Glen Johnson did okay at Liverpool but they had a poor enough season.

"John Terry? He had his issues and I don't think he had a great season. Chelsea may have won the Premiership and FA Cup double but that was more down to some world class attacking players.

"Matthew Upson didn't have a great season at West Ham and Ashley Cole, to be fair to the boy, has just come back from injury.

"James Milner had a good season but Gareth Barry was very average for Manchester City. Emile Heskey started the World Cup up front but he only scored three Premiership goals for Aston Villa."