The 2022 FIFA World Cup is a matter of weeks away, with the tournament in Qatar set to kick off on November 20th.
Having the event in midseason should ensure that it is unlike any other edition. It could also make it more difficult to predict.
A number of the top European nations are seemingly heading to the tournament short on form, with many of them failing to impress during the recent UEFA Nations League. That has led to many labelling Brazil and Argentina as the favourites, although a South American country has not lifted the trophy since 2002.
As for England, they will go to Qatar in the midst of their worst run of form in a number of years.
Roy Keane sees England falling short at World Cup
While there is no doubting the quality available in the England squad, doubts remain over their ability to compete with the very top nations. They have fared well at the last two major tournaments, although both of those runs featured rather favourable draws. Gareth Southgate's defensive tactics have also been under scrutiny recently.
They will be in a group with Wales, USA, and Iran. You would expect them to top that, but things look a bit more unclear from that point on.
Speaking to ITV after he was unveiled as one of their pundits for the World Cup, Roy Keane said it is unlikely that Wales will pull up many trees in the Middle East. As for England, he sees some big weaknesses in their squad coming back to bite them.
It’ll be tough for Wales, but I fully expect them to get out of the group. Bale and Ramsay have shown before they can bring it to the special occasions but I don’t know much football they are getting before the tournament and how sharp they’ll be.
For Wales to progress in the knockout rounds, Bale and Ramsay will need to show up and push the team through.
England will have no problem getting out of the group - they'll be far too strong. Huge pressure on Harry Kane to produce and I still worry about England defensively and the goalkeeper.
Gareth Southgate's approach does mean that Harry Kane is required to make up for their lack of creativity in forward areas, although the striker has struggled at times at major tournaments (his goal record is boosted by a number of penalties). As for the defence, a mix of injuries, lack of form, and questionable selections means that it will be a challenge to contain some of the best attacking teams in world football.
Despite predicting that England will not do as well as many are hoping, Roy Keane is expecting big things from one of their players.
Jude Bellingham's stock has continued to rise in recent times, taking his game to the next level on both the club and international scenes. He will surely see plenty of playing time in Qatar, with the Irishman expecting him to have a big tournament.
I would love to see Jude Bellingham have a good tournament. For such a young kid, he plays way beyond his years, looks a good athlete and is mature.
He’s getting a good run of games now for Borussia Dortmund and recently started for England against Germany, so I hope he takes that momentum into the World Cup.
Bellingham has been heavily linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund next summer, with a good showing in the World Cup likely to add to what is an already sizeable asking price.
As for the winners, Keane is backing Brazil.
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