"It was a big ask for him and he’s not up to it" - Roy Keane believes England star has been 'found out' after draw against Denmark
Manchester United legend Roy Keane claimed that Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold was found out in midfield by Denmark. The Reds right-back started in midfield for the second game in a row and failed to make a mark.
Keane said that Gareth Southgate made a big gamble playing Alexander-Arnold in midfield in Euro 2024 and it did not pay off. The former Republic of Ireland international insisted that Alexander-Arnold does not have what it takes to play as an out-and-out central midfielder.
The former Manchester United skipper also claimed that it was not entirely the Liverpool star's fault. He believed that Southgate made the wrong call by playing him in a position where he does not play on a weekly basis. Keane said, as quoted by Football 365:
“When you’ve been taken off in the two games that’s not a good sign. I thought it was always a huge gamble to play a player who doesn’t play that position week-in week-out for his club. I know people say he drifts in there for Liverpool, but drifting into a position and staying there and starting are two completely different things. I’ve played midfield, it’s a tough position, physically, getting your distances and he’s come up short in the two games. "
Keane added:
"It’s not all down to him, you’d have to put this on Gareth. It’s a huge gamble to throw a full-back into the middle of the park. And this was against two teams that you would have thought England would be comfortable and have lots of possession. It was a big ask for him and he’s not up to it."
The former Manchester United midfielder concluded:
“We talk about football in what you do in possession, it’s really important what you do out of possession and that’s why he’s been thrown in the deep end. Okay he’s going to be comfortable on the ball and if you give him time he can see a pass, there’s no doubting that. But it’s the other bits of his game, the distances. Rice feels like he’s babysitting him in there and you can’t do that at this level, you will be found out. And he has.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world and is known for his extensive range of passing. He is a creative force which has led many to urge both Jurgen Klopp and Gareth Southgate to play him in midfield.
Klopp tweaked his system by playing the Liverpool number 66 in an inverted full-back role and managed to bring the most out of him. However, he has been underwhelming for England playing as a full-time midfielder so far.
Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool having come through the youth ranks at the club. He has made 310 appearances for his boyhood club so far, scoring 19 times while producing 81 assists.
Former PL star slams England for their 'arrogant' attitude
Former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City winger James McClean has slammed England following their 1-1 draw against Denmark in Euro 2024 on Thursday, June 20. Gareth Southgate's side opened their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Serbia but were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Denmark.
James McClean, who earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has claimed England have too much arrogance in their approach. He said (via GOAL):
"For a country that's won one World Cup and have never won the Euros, they're very expectant & very arrogant about their chances."
England take on Slovenia in their final group-stage game of Euro 2024 on Tuesday, June 25. The Three Lions sit ON top of Group C with four points from two games.