'He'll be ripped to shreds': Roy Keane against Liverpool player starting in England midfield

Former Manchester United player-turned-pundit, Roy Keane believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be ripped to shreds at the ongoing European Championship, if he plays in the midfield. Trent's position in the England team has been up for debate for a long time with many expecting manager Gareth Southgate to play him in the midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Keane's rather pessimistic statementcomes ahead of England's opener against Serbia on Sunday (Jun 16) which could either fire Trent to prove him wrong or it might demoralise the Liverpool player.

"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," said Keane.

"It's all about getting the balance right in your team.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," he added.

Wayne Rooney echoes similar sentiments

Keane is not the first ex-United player to take a stab at Trent for his position in the midfield. Last week, Wayne Rooney said Southgate was going to pick Trentin the XI but he had reservations over the defensive capabilities of the talented right-back.

"I think he (Southgate) will go with Trent. I think he’s probably the most gifted player we have with the ball at his feet that we've got,"Rooney said onThe Overlap'sEuros fan debate.

"Defensively he is all over the place. He can't defend. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch," he added.

While former players question Trent's position, the right-back was impressive during the two international friendlies England played in the lead-up to the tournament.

Fans argue that Trent is one of the most gifted passers in the England squad who has the X-factor. If the Three Lions are to go the distance and win only their second international trophy, Trent's form will be pivotal.

England's squad for the Euros

Goalkeepers:Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders:Lewis Dunk,Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders:Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher,Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton

Forwards:Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins

(More to follow)