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I left Man City for £20m - now I'm playing for England and getting advice from Roy Keane

England's Taylor Harwood-Bellis during a press conference at St George's Park
-Credit: (Image: PA Wire)


Former Man City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis earned his first call-up for the England squad last week and is in line to make his senior debut for the Three Lions during this international break.

And if the 22-year-old does earn his first cap for his national side, you might be surprised to learn that one of the first people to congratulate him will be former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Harwood-Bellis recently got engaged to Keane's daughter, Leah, and speaking to reporters ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League clash against Greece, he admitted he has leaned on the former United great for some advice.

"It's something that is good, yes, and I take a lot of advice."

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When asked if he had spoken to him about the prospect of facing Keane's Republic of Ireland on Sunday in England's final Nations League encounter, Harwood-Bellis replied: "No, everything is focused on Greece at the minute.

"It's a big game after the result at home. Obviously, we want to go over there and get a result. It will be a good atmosphere and a full house. We are looking forward to it and take the challenge on."

Harwood-Bellis is one of the many success stories of City's academy in recent years and made eight appearances for the club before being sold to Southampton for £20million in the summer.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane -Credit:Michael Regan/Getty Images

Having enjoyed loan spells at Anderlecht, Blackburn, Stoke and Burnley, he has made Southampton his home and his performances in the Premier League this term were enough to convince interim England manager Lee Carsley to promote him to England's senior setup.

Having captained England under-21s to European Championship success in the summer of 2023, he is hoping his leadership qualities transfer to senior level.

“It was a part of me when I was younger,” Harwood-Bellis said. “I’ve been captain all the way through the England age groups and through the age groups at City.

“It’s something that I like. I like being seen as a leader, I like helping my team and people that might want to come to me as their leader.

“Obviously, I’m in a different boat now with the seniors and at Southampton, where there’s a lot more experienced and older players. I am learning and trying to get better at it. I am just learning from everyone I can.”