- Taylor Harwood-Bellis came off the bench in England’s win over Ireland
- Harwood-Bellis scored England’s fifth with a header
- Roy Keane is the England defender’s soon-to-be father-in-law
Taylor Harwood-Bellis enjoyed the biggest night of his career as he scored on his England debut…but risked his pending marriage to Roy Keane’s daughter as a result.
Southampton centre-back Harwood-Bellis came off the bench to score on his international bow to round off England’s thumping win over the Republic of Ireland.
The defender is engaged to Sky Sports pundit Keane’s daughter Leah and speaking after his future son-in-law’s debut strike the former Republic of Ireland midfielder quipped: ‘It’s (the wedding) not done and dusted yet.’
Former Manchester United captain Keane was joking, of course, and he added: ‘Over the last few months he’s definitely got a goal threat for Southampton, it’s nice for him.
‘It’s great for him to make his debut. He’s a nice kid, his family has done a great job.’
Taylor Harwood-Bellis made his England debut as he came off the bench in the second-half
His thumping header was England’s fifth and gave the Southampton defender a dream debut
Harwood-Bellis is engaged to former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane’s daughter
Harwood-Bellis himself said: ‘It is a great day for me and my family. It’s every young kid’s dream to make their debut, and to score the goal is magical.
‘I had a few hints yesterday that I would be needed at some point, when I got the nod to come on I was over the moon.
‘There’s always a pathway and us young ones, we do believe we can get into the seniors. We know the door is open if we take our chances, I’ve got to thank Lee [Carsley] for calling me up and I have repaid him with a nice goal.
‘Playing for my country at every level is something I take such pride in. To play for the seniors is something you dream of, it is the pinnacle of football, to do it and score is some feeling.’
Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane, who scored England’s opener from the spot, paid tribute to interim boss Carsley following his final game in charge ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s arrival in January.
‘He has been top drawer, him and all the staff,’ said Kane.
‘After the Euros it was never going to be easy to come and go straight into the Nations League and sometimes the motivation is a bit less.
‘I’m really glad we won today and finish off on a high.’