The boys are back in (a Russian) town
As soon as ITV announced their stellar list of World Cup 2018 pundits, we were wondering when they would pair up some of the former Manchester United stars.
The broadcaster has Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Henrik Larsson and Ryan Giggs on retainer and, by God, they are going to use them.
Larsson and Giggs – with his fascinating ‘Ryan or Giggsy’ anecdote – have been up once already and Roy Keane’s tournament bow was certainly memorable. The former Ireland captain was on hand for ITV’s coverage of Croatia’s win over Nigeria and had viewers rapt.
He did not fancy Nigeria’s World Cup chances at all, roasted Slaven Bilic and Lee Dixon in one go [see video below], and was not at all fond of Bilic touching him so frequently and earnestly.
"It never bothered me. Now, what helped me is that I always knew I'd probably be starting…. The lads might give you a better answer than that!"
Keane roasts Dixon and Bilic in one go 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/d3OLcPzh8m
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 16, 2018
The BBC are only showing Germany versus Mexico but they are going all-out with ‘Managing England: The Impossible Job’ on BBC 2 from 9pm – featuring interviews with Sam Allardyce, Sven Goran Eriksson, Roy Hodgson and current coach Gareth Southgate – but ITV is the place you want to be.
For Brazil versus Switzerland Roy Keane AND Gary Neville will be together in the studio.
The pair, who won a rake-load of trophies while at United for over a decade together, will be joined by host Mark Pougatch and former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright.
As if that isn’t enough, they are bringing back Bilic for round two!
In response to Bilic getting all up in his grill, on Saturday, Keane predicted his Croatia would be beaten in their next game. Then, asked about naming teams in advance, Keane sized up Bilic and Lee Dixon before replying:
“It never bothered me. Now, what helped me is that I always knew I’d probably be starting…. The lads might give you a better answer than that!”
Watch this one, from 6:30pm, and grab the popcorn.
