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Football

13th Nov 2024

Roy Keane’s future son-in-law could play for England against Ireland this weekend

JOE

Harwood-Bellis has been called up to the England squad for the first time.

Roy Keane could be watching his future son-in-law face off against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley this Sunday.

Keane’s daughter, Leah, is engaged to Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has been named in England’s UEFA Nations League squad for this week’s games against Greece and Ireland.

The defender, 22, revealed that he has taken advice from the Manchester United legend in the past.

“I take a lot of advice from him, it’s something that’s good,” Harwood-Bellis told reporters at a press conference ahead of England’s match against Greece.

The Southampton defender was then asked if he had spoken with Keane ahead of England’s match against Ireland.

“No, everything is focused on Greece at the minute,” he said.

“It’s a big game, we want to get a result, and we’re looking forward to the atmosphere and the challenge.”

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Taylor Harwood-Bellis of England looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on November 12, 2024 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images).

Harwood-Bellis captained England’s Under-21 team when they won the European Championship in 2023.

Lee Carsley, England’s interim manager, was the team’s coach for that victory and has called the player up to the senior squad for the first time.

England have had a raft of withdrawals from the squad due to injury, with experienced central defenders John Stones and Harry Maguire ruled out.

Harwood-Bellis may get his chance to represent England in their final Nations League game of the campaign at Wembley against Ireland on Sunday.

“I couldn’t quite believe it at first,” the defender said about being called up to the England squad.

“It was a feeling of pride, and I was with my partner. Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud. All my family were delighted.”

Harwood-Bellis came through Manchester City’s academy and made eight appearances for the first team. He had several loan moves away from City, before joining Southampton permanently last summer.

He has made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season and scored once for the newly-promoted team.