Roy Keane is not exactly known for handing out compliments. But when it comes to this World Cup, the Manchester United legend went ahead and basically called the final before the knockout rounds even really heat up.
Speaking on ITV, Keane said he expects France and Argentina to meet for the championship. And he didn’t just tip them as dark horses or coin-flip picks. He straight up said he’d be surprised if they don’t end up facing each other on the last day of the tournament.
Here’s how Keane put it:
“The French attacking players are as good as any. But then we saw that with Brazil. We’ve seen it with England’s main lads turning up against Panama. Probably France have got, obviously, more in numbers. But then again, listen, I think Argentina do as well. I think Argentina and France are the teams that have the players and the good options. There’d be no surprise if they end up meeting in the final. I’d be surprised if they don’t meet in the final.”
Postecoglou Agrees and Has a Warning for England Fans
Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou backed up Keane’s take. But he also had a reality check for anyone getting carried away with England’s chances. Postecoglou pointed out that even in France, people are complaining about the national team. Nobody’s happy anywhere. That’s just how it goes.
“No one is ever happy with their national team. There’s always areas to improve,” Postecoglou said. “But I’ve been impressed, because the thing with France for me is, I look at their front five, six, any combination of that, are just absolutely world-class and elite.”
So yeah. France’s firepower is essentially unfair. Argentina’s depth is right there with them. And England? They’re in the mix but apparently still missing something.
What England Needs According to Scott Parker
Former Burnley and Bournemouth manager Scott Parker was blunt about what England needs to go all the way. His take: Declan Rice. Not just any version of Declan Rice either. The guy who bosses the midfield, covers every blade of grass, and does whatever Thomas Tuchel asks.
Parker told The Telegraph: “Four words come to mind when I think about England’s hopes of winning the World Cup: we need Declan Rice. There has been some debate since England beat Panama over whether Declan should have extra recovery, potentially sitting out the last-32 contest with DR Congo. The concern for his wellbeing, given he is managing a hamstring issue, is understandable. But Declan is pivotal. If England are going to go deep in this tournament, he is one of Thomas Tuchel’s foundation pillars – a manager’s dream. Whatever you ask him to do, he will do it.”
England handled Panama fine. But the real tests are coming. Germany and the Netherlands are already out, which just proves how fast this thing can shift. Keane might be right about France and Argentina. Or another shock could flip everything. That’s the World Cup for you. Nobody really knows until the whistle blows.
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