Irish people won't have to worry about English fans and media figures loudly toasting a World Cup victory over the festive period according to Roy Keane.
While he was again revealed as one of the leading members of ITV's punditry team for the Qatar tournament, Keane didn't engage with the hoopla that is so often characteristic of British TV stations' coverage around England's chances.
At an unveiling event of ITV's punditry line-up, which also features Gary Neville and Graeme Souness, the Corkman bluntly played down their chances of lifting the trophy as he reckons they'll 'fall just short.'
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He said: “England will have no problem getting out of the group, they’ll be far too strong.
"But there's huge pressure on Harry Kane to produce and I still worry about England defensively and the goalkeeper.”
He did, however, back precocious Dortmund talent Jude Bellingham to be one of the players of the 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."
As for who he's backing to come out on top, the Cork native went with the bookies favourites in Brazil.
He added: "It’s going to be hard to stop Brazil. Brazil have such great strength in depth at the moment and some real quality players across the squad."
With several of the big European contenders like England and France already beset by injury absentees as well as dips in performance across their Nations League campaigns, almost everyone appears to be tipping either the Selecao or Copa America champions Argentina led by a rejuvenated Lionel Messi.
Keane's estimation that Gareth Southgate's charges will still prove far too good for anyone in their group looks a near-certainty as they've been drawn with USA, Wales and Iran.
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