The semi-final line-up may not be complete at the World Cup but for RTÉ soccer analysts Shay Given and Alan Cawley, it’s shaping up to be a final between France and England.

The French secured their spot in the last-four after beating Morocco 2-0 on Thursday and will await either Spain or Belgium.

England, meanwhile, still need to try and overcome Norway, while Argentina or Switzerland would await should they advance to the semi-finals.

But speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former Republic of Ireland, Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Given felt that it was possible to start going out on a limb in regard to the potential 19 July match-up at New York New Jersey Stadium.

“I’m probably getting ahead of myself… I can only see a French-English final,” he said.

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“I think England will beat Argentina in the semi. But I do believe Argentina will get Switzerland out of way.

“It feels like that’s where all roads are leading to a France-England final. “

Former Shelbourne and Dundalk midfielder Cawley was in agreement and added that the fraught nature of Argentina’s knockout games might catch up with them if the reigning champions get to the semi-finals.

“The reason I think what’s going to kill them is those extra times, like even the other night,” he said referencing the late comeback against Egypt.

“They were going full tilt just to get back (into the game), the amount of energy they expended just to get back in the game.”

He added: “But I’m with (Shay) on I think France and England it’s set up lovely for the two of them, and I honestly England win this.

“Now I’ve said it from day one, England have unbelievable chance. You were all here, ‘(the performances against) Panama, Ghana, they’re all the rubbish, get rid of them…’ and I said they will come good.

“They will come good against the stronger teams. And here we go. They have an unbelievable chance. Now it’s all opened up for them on that side of the draw as well.”

Watch every game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with highlights on RTÉ Sport digital platforms and live blogs on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app

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