Roy Keane has highlighted Trent Alexander-Arnold as a potential weak spot in England’s Euro 2024 line-up.
Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to start as a midfielder for England’s Group C opener against Serbia on Sunday evening.
But, Keane isn’t convinced it’s a long-term option for Gareth Southgate.
Speaking to ITV ahead of Spain vs Croatia, the ex-Manchester United star said: “It’s all about getting the balance right in your team.
Related articles
“They’ve got some brilliant individuals, we’ve mentioned that many times before. Four or five players who would walk into any team at this tournament, but it’s getting that balance right.
“They [England] have players who can go and win you football matches, but the problem is defending against the really better teams.
“I think they’ll be fine in the groups, I think Trent’s position will be fine in those matches, but it’s against the real top teams I think he’ll be found out.
“I think he’ll be ripped to shreds if he plays against one of the better teams in central midfield.”
Settling on a balanced midfield has proved problematic for Southgate, and fellow pundit Gary Neville shares some of the same worries.
Neville added: “What Trent playing there does is allow Kyle Walker to stay back as a third centre-back, which he’s done for City a lot of the season.
“It allows him [Alexander-Arnold] to go in there on that right-hand side and deliver, almost as a right-back and come back into defend.
“So I can see why it works, but I’m not sure it will be the solution as the tournament moves on.”
Don't miss...
Ronaldinho releases angry statement explaining why has snubbed Brazil matches [QUOTES]
Euro 2024 star’s stutter hasn’t held him back and he now raps alongside football [NEWS]
BBC Breakfast viewers call out ‘insensitive’ Euro 2024 coverage in Germany [LATEST]
Related articles
He continued: “I think Gallagher will come in for certain games and to be fair, this idea of Phil Foden going out to the left wing, this isn’t Paul Scholes being shoved on the left wing.
“Foden has played there before, he’s used to that position, so it’s not like it’s something that is really weird.”
England’s pursuit of a first-ever European Championship title will commence in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia.
Following that, it’s over to Frankfurt for their second game against Denmark for a repeat of the Euro 2020 semi-final.
While Southgate and co. will wrap up their Euro 2024 group with a clash against outsiders Slovenia in Cologne a week on Tuesday.
