Nine years earlier, Paul Gascoigne had instantly struggled to come to terms with a similar realisation. He did attempt to maintain a high level of influence on the World Cup semi-final but, despite being originally on the first five penalty-takers, was unable to take one in England’s defeat to West Germany.
Keane reacted altogether differently, probably in a manner Manchester United desperately needed from our captain. However, there is a side to the tale that might have been mythologised a little bit over the years. Yes, Sir Alex Ferguson was moved to comment in his autobiography: “Pounding over every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him.