England's WAGs have reportedly hit back at Roy Keane after the former Manchester United captain mocked their World Cup outfits, with one source branding the ITV pundit a "miserable old git".
Keane sparked debate after criticising the wives and girlfriends of England's players for wearing replica shirts bearing their partners' names during the World Cup.
The outspoken pundit described the trend as "ridiculous" and questioned why it had become so popular during international tournaments.
His comments have now prompted an apparent response from those closest to England's squad.
According to the Daily Mail, several WAGs have no intention of changing what they wear in the stands and will continue backing their partners by wearing personalised England shirts.
"They are adamant they will wear whatever they want," a friend of several England WAGs reportedly said.
"Why should they let someone like Roy Keane tell them otherwise? He's a miserable old git."
The source added that the group viewed the criticism as little more than a joke.
England's WAGs have reportedly hit back at Roy Keane after the former Manchester United captain mocked their World Cup outfits, with one source branding the ITV pundit a "miserable old git"
|STICK TO FOOTBALL
England are being cheered on by their WAGs at this summer's World Cup
| PA"The girls love to show support for their partners by wearing their names on their back, or at least an England shirt.
"It's a case of 'Go away, grandad'."
They also claimed some members of the group had been amused by the attention Keane's comments had received.
The insider added: "Some of them ignored it; some have been giggling at why they wind him up so much."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Match stats from England's 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSKeane's original criticism came during an appearance on Gary Neville's Stick to Football podcast, when he was asked what he would consign to Room 101.
Without hesitation, the former Republic of Ireland captain targeted the personalised England shirts.
"All the wives are in their jerseys with the players' names on the back... Wow," Keane said.
He continued: "Children is fine, but all the wives wearing their jerseys with the name on the..."
The 54-year-old was surprised when Ian Wright disagreed with him.
"A year later, they're separated, most of them!" Keane added.
"And they're all getting pictures, pointing at the Jimmy or Johnny on the back... Wow.
"Well, we know you're married... It's ridiculous.
England have won two of their three World Cup matches so far | GETTY"They all sit together, like, 'I've got my jersey. Have you got your jersey?' No, I'm not having it."
Wright defended the tradition, insisting he had no issue with players' partners showing pride in their loved ones.
Keane remained unconvinced.
"They only do it at the World Cup. They don't do it at Old Trafford or Anfield every week, do they? So what's with this World Cup?" he asked.
England's partners have been highly visible throughout the tournament in the United States, regularly documenting their experiences on social media while supporting Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Among those following England are Megan Davison, wife of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Lauren Fryer, the long-time partner of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka's girlfriend Tolami Benson, Harry Kane's wife Kate Goodland and Jude Bellingham's partner Ashlyn Castro.
England return to action against DR Congo on Wednesday (5pm).