Roy Keane told ITV Sport that the off-field friendship between West Ham and Chelsea duo, Declan Rice and Mason Mount, will have no impact for England out on the pitch.
The outspoken TV pundit stated that ‘it’s ridiculous’ and claimed that ‘everyone wants to be best mates with each other’.
Both Rice and Mount came through the ranks as Chelsea as kids, before the former made a move to West Ham, and the latter still thriving in those colours and recently winning the Champions League.
Whether Gareth Southgate plays a two-man midfield or a three-man midfield for England’s Euro 2020 opener against Croatia, it’s highly likely that Mount and Rice will start in the middle of the park.
Keane was asked about whether it matters or it makes a difference with ‘good pals’, such as Mount and Rice playing together.
“None whatsoever,” said Keane. “It’s ridiculous. Everyone wants to be best mates with each other.
“The bottom line is that you are going out there to do a job. You are going to war and to battle.
“But this idea of Rice and Mount in midfield, I think it will be fine. It’s another step for Rice, he is doing well and we know how good Mount is.
“And for all his talent, he is a clever player and an intelligent boy – them two in midfield then I think it should be fine.”
Many England fans would like Gareth Southgate to select a three-man midfield, with Mount and Rice joined by either Jack Grealish or Phil Foden.
Ideally, if Grealish could play in midfield with the Rice and Mount, with Foden out on the right then it would really get England fans excited.
But what could possibly ruin all of that is Southgate opting to play three at the back, which means a two-man midfield, and more than likely, one of Grealish or Foden sitting on the bench.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
