Following England’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark in their second Euro group match, former Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticized Trent Arnold’s performance in a central midfield role.
Arnold continued to start alongside Rice in midfield, but struggled significantly. The Liverpool full-back has featured in several games for England in this position, but still appears uncomfortable. Southgate replaced Arnold with Gallagher early in the second half. When asked about Arnold’s display in midfield, Keane was characteristically blunt on ITV.
Keane said, “When you’re coming off in two games, it’s not a good sign. I’ve always felt it was a big gamble to play him there. People will say he’s played there for Liverpool, but playing there as a kid is different from being moved there later on.”
The Irishman used himself as an example to highlight Southgate’s tactical misstep: “I’ve played in midfield, it’s a difficult position. You need physicality, you need to understand the distances between lines, and he hasn’t done that in both games. It’s not all his fault; maybe you have to look at Gareth (Southgate) for playing a full-back in midfield – it’s a big gamble. This isn’t England against France or Spain, it’s two teams you’d think England should handle, and Trent hasn’t been up to it, he doesn’t have the ability, do you know?”
Keane: Arnold doesn’t have the ability to play in midfield, even against Denmark and Serbia. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/keane-arnold-doesnt-have-the-ability-to-play-in-midfield-even-against-denmark-and-serbia.html
