Keane backs Argentina to end England's World Cup dream as Neville stays bullish

Roy Keane has predicted Argentina will eliminate England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, directly contradicting his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville, who argued this is England’s best chance to reach a first final since 1966.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville made the case that a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side he considers a step below the team that lifted the trophy four years ago represents a genuine opportunity for the Three Lions. “England haven’t reached a World Cup final since 1966, and this is an unbelievable chance to win the World Cup,” he said. “It’s not a vintage Argentina, by any stretch — it’s not as good as the Argentina side from four years ago, but it’s still got danger, of course, because they’ve got Messi and an unbelievable spirit.”

Keane was far less convinced. The former Republic of Ireland captain conceded Spain might be a different proposition but insisted Argentina and France would both be too much for Gareth Southgate’s side. “Truthfully, I think they’ll come up short against Argentina,” he said. “I think definitely against France. Spain might be different, get the job done, but I think there’s too much there. I think Argentina would just find something in a tight game.”

England have earned their place in only their fourth World Cup semi-final by beating Mexico in the last 16 and then edging Norway in the quarter-finals, with Jude Bellingham’s extra-time strike proving decisive in the latter. Argentina’s route to the last four has been equally demanding — they required extra time to beat both Cape Verde and Switzerland, and needed a remarkable three-goal comeback in 15 minutes to defeat Egypt.

The two nations meet in a competitive fixture for the first time since the 2002 World Cup, renewing one of international football’s most storied and contentious rivalries. England’s record at major tournaments has improved markedly over the past eight years, though they are yet to convert that consistency into silverware.

The other semi-final pits Spain against France, and Keane’s comments suggest he believes the winner of that tie would also be favoured over England, should they somehow progress.