Keane Backs France and Argentina for World Cup Glory – 'Expect Them in the Final'

Roy Keane has made his World Cup predictions crystal clear: the Manchester United icon reckons France and Argentina are destined to meet in the final, and he would be taken aback if that doesn't come to pass.

With the tournament now in its knockout phase and a handful of surprises already in the books – including Germany and the Netherlands heading for the exit – the Old Trafford legend outlined his reasoning on ITV.

"The French attacking players are as good as any," Keane explained, before pivoting to Argentina's credentials. "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."

While England have been touted among the contenders under Thomas Tuchel, Keane sees two sides as sitting above the Three Lions in the pecking order. His assessment drew support from Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham manager, who highlighted the depth of France's attacking arsenal.

"Just to put everyone at ease about England's chances, even in France they're not happy with the national team," Postecoglou noted. "I've been impressed, because when I look at their front five or six – any combination of that – they're just absolutely world-class and elite."

The conversation around England's prospects has also thrown a spotlight on Declan Rice's importance to their campaign. Scott Parker, who managed both Burnley and Bournemouth, has stressed the midfielder's significance to Tuchel's blueprint.

"Four words come to mind when I think about England's hopes of winning the World Cup: we need Declan Rice," Parker told The Telegraph.

Rice has been managing a hamstring concern, prompting discussion over whether he should have been rested during the last-32 encounter with DR Congo. Yet Parker insists there's no getting around his centrality to England's hopes.

"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."