Manchester United legend Roy Keane made a clear-cut prediction for the “outstanding” talent who could be named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
Host nation Germany are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 this summer, with Julian Nagelsmann’s men competing in the first match of the tournament last week.
Germany impressed in their Group A opener with a 5-1 thrashing of 10-man Scotland at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena stadium last Friday.
England, who are one of the tournament favourites, began their Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Serbia in Group C.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for the Three Lions in the first half before England fended off Serbia in the second half of the contest.
Gareth Southgate, who was previously linked with Manchester United, is leading England in what could be his final tournament as Three Lions boss.
The England manager is out of contract in December and Gareth Southgate’s long-term future with the national team remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Keane predicts Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
Speaking on ITV Sport (via TikTok), former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was asked for a series of predictions about Euro 2024.
Keane, who is part of ITV’s punditry line-up for Euro 2024, made his feelings clear on who could be named Player of the Tournament in Germany this summer.
The Sky Sports pundit admitted that Chelsea star Cole Palmer “really excited” him last season and Keane called him an “outstanding player.”
Cole Palmer left Manchester City last summer and completed an initial £40m move to Chelsea, with the England player thriving in his debut season with the Blues.
The 22-year-old former Manchester City player, who is a United fan, scored an impressive 27 times in 48 appearances across all competitions last season.
Palmer’s scintillating run of form at Stamford Bridge led to his international debut for England in 2023 before Gareth Southgate named him in his Euro 2024 squad.
Speaking on Palmer, Keane said: “I think the player who really excited me over the last few months. Will he get enough games with England?
“I think Palmer is an outstanding player and I think if Gareth gives him a chance, I think he’ll show what a class player he is.”
Souness and Wright predict different choices from Keane
Graeme Souness did not see eye to eye with Keane for the Player of the Tournament pick and instead chose Cole Palmer’s England teammate Jude Bellingham.
“There’s so many top players here. It’s a really difficult one,” he said.
“I hope Jude Bellingham continues his Real Madrid form in this tournament. If he does, then he’s got a chance.”
Ian Wright, on the other hand, picked Florian Wirtz and admitted he is keen to see more of the Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star in action at Euro 2024.
“Florian Wirtz. Really looking forward to seeing him,” he said.
“But all that said, [I] want England to win, of course.”