Conor Gallagher being brought on for the second time in the tournament for Alexander-Arnold, at such an early stage in the second half, is likely to be Gareth Southgate’s admission that his experiment has backfired and changes are expected for the final Group C match with Slovenia.
“It’s all about getting the balance right in your team,” Keane told ITV as he identified a clear England weakness. “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.”
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted off after 54 minutes in England's draw with Denmark. (Image: Getty)
Denmark, FIFA’s 21st-ranked team in the world, exposed the issues that come with Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, with tournament frontrunners such as France and Germany unlikely to let England off with a draw should they meet the same midfield trio later in the competition.
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"He's not up to it" - Roy Keane ??????️ "He needs movement up front" - @IanWright0 ??????️
Ian and Roy give their opinions on Trent Alexander-Arnold's midfield role for England ??????????????????????????????????????????#Euro2024 | #DENENGpic.twitter.com/rK6tuCgQrU
“Look, he’s had some moments where he’s delivered what we thought he would,” Southgate said in the aftermath of England’s draw with Denmark.
“We know it is an experiment, and we know that we don’t have a natural replacement for a Kalvin Phillips, but we’re trying some different things and at the moment, we’re not flowing as we’d like, that’s for sure.”