DON'T MISS ANY ACTION FROM THE WORLD CUP

Roy Keane has expressed strong disapproval of footballers’ partners wearing customised jerseys during the World Cup. The former Manchester United skipper called the practice “ridiculous”, while Ian Wright defended it as a simple and heartfelt display of support for their loved ones playing on the sport’s grandest stage.

Keane criticises the WAGs’ outfit choice

England’s 4-2 win over Croatia brought joy and celebrations among fans and families of the players. However, the day after the match, Keane’s attention was drawn to something completely different. Speaking on The Overlap alongside Gary Neville, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder shared one of his biggest pet peeves in football.

Keane took issue with players’ wives and girlfriends wearing shirts emblazoned with their partners’ names. His remarks quickly sparked a lively debate among the panel, with Wright disagreeing and insisting there was nothing inappropriate about families showing their pride during a major international competition.

Keane and Wright disagree over the jersey tradition

When asked what he would consign to “Room 101”, Keane didn’t hesitate to point out the trend.

“Oh, the jersey? The World Cup, when all the players’ wives and families are going to the match, all the wives are in the jerseys with the players’ names on the back, wow,” Keane said. “Children is fine, but the wives and partners wearing their jerseys, with their name on the back, wow.”

Wright countered by saying, “I don’t mind that.”

Keane stood firm, adding: “You not with me on that? A year later they are separated, most of them. And they’re all getting pictures, and they’re pointing at a Jimmy or Johnny on the back, wow. We know who you are married to. Children is fine, the partners is ridiculous. All sitting in the same family section, I’ve got my jersey, have you got yours? I’m not having it.”

Wright continued to defend the gesture, saying: “I don’t mind it Roy. Her husband is playing and she’s proud of him and she wants to wear his shirt, it seems as simple as that.”

Keane questions the World Cup culture

Keane’s key argument was that the phenomenon is much more frequent at international tournaments than in club football. The ex-midfielder wondered why partners proudly wear personalised jerseys when representing England but hardly ever do so during the domestic season.

“They only do it at the World Cup, you don’t see it at Old Trafford or Anfield every week,” Keane remarked. “So what’s with the World Cup? Imagine a woman going, ‘I’m going to put a football jersey on today with my husband’s name on the back.’”

England shift focus after Croatia win

The discussion comes at a time when the atmosphere around the England squad has changed under Thomas Tuchel. The manager has reportedly eased several restrictions previously enforced under Gareth Southgate, allowing players’ families to visit the training base during the tournament. Following the Croatia victory, several members of the Three Lions squad were seen celebrating with their families. The team will now prepare for their second Group L fixture against Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.

How far can England progress in this World Cup?