6 months ago
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ROY KEANE reckons England’s Euro 2024 camp has much bigger problems than two poor displays.
The Manchester United legend claims “something is amiss” after worrying displays in a 1-0 win over Serbia and then a 1-1 draw with Denmark.
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RexKeane singled out the body language of England’s most-feared player, Jude Bellingham, as a potential sign of trouble following their Dane pain.
The ITV pundit also gave a brutal verdict on Southgate‘s “huge gamble” of playing Liverpool wing-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
Keane said: “There’s something amiss. I’m talking about the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
“This is a big test for Gareth, a big challenge.”
The former midfield hardman was impressed with Southgate’s unusual decision to take off goalscorer Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden midway through the goalless second half.
But Keane added: “It looks like he’s over-thinking things.
“He’s made a few substitutions, which I admire – a bit of bravery there, making the three changes.
“But there’s something amiss with this group.”
Alexander-Arnold has produced two iffy displays, according to critics
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TAA’s match stats show he was involved everywhere outside the two boxes
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Keane was even more blunt in his assessment of Alexander-Arnold, who twice now has been chosen ahead of workhorse Conor Gallagher and link-player Adam Wharton in the centre.
The ex-Sunderland and Ipswich chief, 52, said: “When you’ve been taken off in both games it’s not a good sign.
ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.
“I thought it was always a huge gamble to play someone where he doesn’t play week in week out for his club.
“A lot of people say he drifts in there for Liverpool. But drifting in and starting there are two completely different things.
“It’s a tough position. He’s come up short in the two games. It’s not all down to him.
“It’s a huge gamble to throw a full-back into the middle of the park.”
Keane also believes that, as Alexander-Arnold struggled against Serbia and Denmark, he would be in deeper trouble against Europe’s major nations.
He said: “This isn’t again the French or the Spanish of the Germans. This was in two games we thought would be fairly comfortable.
“It’s a big ask for him and he’s not up to it.”
Meet England's Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here
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