“He would be ripped to shreds” : Roy Keane believes Trent Alexander Arnold could be exposed in midfield

England start their 2024 UEFA Euro campaign against Serbia on Sunday evening. The runners-up of the previous edition are placed in Group C alongside the likes of Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark. Former Manchester United footballer Roy Keane believes that Trent Alexander Arnold could be really exploited in midfield as the tournament progresses.

England manager Gareth Southgate is all set to utilize Trent Alexander Arnold in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Roy Keane believes that the Three Lions have some quality players in their side who can win you matches on any day.

However, he believes that defending could be a problem against some quality teams. Nevertheless, he expects England to have a smooth passage into the knockouts.

“England have got some brilliant individuals; four or five players who would walk into any team in this tournament,” Keane said, as quoted by the Sky Sports. “But it’s about getting the balance right. You have players who can go and win you matches but the problem is defending against better teams. I think they will be fine in the group. Trent will be fine [in midfield],” he added.

Roy Keane has concerns about Liverpool right back playing in midfield

Roy Keane opined that Trent Alexander Arnold could have a really tough time against one of the bigger teams as the tournament progresses. “But against really top teams, I think he will be found out. I think he would be ripped to shreds if he played against one of the better teams in central midfield. I don’t think he would be up to it,” said Keane.

Gary Neville believes that Serbia would play deep in their opener against England. Hence, the Liverpool right back could bring the creativity to cut them wide open. The former Manchester United defender sees a rationale for Trent starting in midfield on Sunday, but he believes that the dynamics would change as the tournament progresses.

“Serbia are going to play deep and England are going to need to find a way to cut them open. I can see why Trent works in this particular match. As the tournament moves on, I don’t think it will remain that way, I think other players will come into the fold,” said Neville.

England lost to Italy on penalties in the last edition of the Euros. The Three Lions will be determined to finally win a Major trophy after making some huge progress under Gareth Southgate.