MARTIN KEOWN has grown in stature as a BBC pundit and Daily Mail columnist to become one of the most respected voices in the British sports media.
The former Aston Villa, Everton and Arsenal central defender has grown into one of the ‘go to’ commentators.
Keown, 51, has matured into a studio force who ‘tells it like it is’ with no-nonsense views and a whole catalogue of inside information.
He recently won high praise for his insight into Arsene Wenger’s departure from Arsenal and that attention to detail will no doubt enhance the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup.
Who has Martin Keown been outspoken about lately?
Keown famously claimed Mesut Ozil was “not fit to wear the shirt” after the Gunners’ Europa League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid.
He told BT Sport Ozil did not put in a “proper performance”.
Keown added: “These are crocodile tears I’m seeing. He’s not conning me.
“I bet he doesn’t play again this season. He will have some emotional breakdown and won’t be able to play at the weekend.
“He wasn’t fit to wear the shirt for me tonight, and I have seen this a lot this season.”
On what basis does Keown back his judgement?
Keown won three league titles at Arsenal and played 760 league and cup games for the Gunners, Brighton, Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City and Reading.
He also won 43 England caps, being picked for two World Cup squads but without making an appearance in France or Japan/South Korea.
Who are the BBC pundits in Russia?
Keown will be on show along with former England players Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Neville, Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy, and new Manchester United ladies’ boss Alex Scott.
When is the World Cup?
England travel out to Russia on Tuesday, June 12 before their World Cup campaign starts on Monday, June 18 with their first group match against Tunisia.
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In Group G they will also face Panama (Sunday, June 24) and Belgium (Thursday, June 28).
If they win their group, England will face the runners-up of Group H which consists of Colombia, Japan, Poland and Senegal.
The final of the World Cup will be held on Sunday, July 15.
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