‘Ripped to shreds’ – Roy Keane makes Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield prediction

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be ‘ripped to shreds’ if he plays in central midfield against one of Europe’s top nations, according to Roy Keane.

The Liverpool star has emerged as a genuine contender to start in Gareth Southgate’s midfield at Euro 2024, starting with the group stage opener against Serbia on Sunday night, live on talkSPORT.

While naturally a right-back, Alexander-Arnold possesses the technical skills and the passing ability to unlock any defence, making him an exciting prospect to join the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.

But while he has the ability to win matches with his skill, his lack of fluency in the role could cause problems as England’s Euros campaign unfolds.

Speaking on ITV about England’s set-up, Keane said: “I think they’ll be fine in the group stage.

“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.”

Keane added: “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.

“They (England) have players who can go and win you football matches, but the problem is defending against the really better teams.”

Alexander-Arnold scored three goals and provided nine assists for Liverpool this term, with the majority of those displays coming at right back.

England face Serbia in their Group C opener, before playing Denmark and Slovenia in their other two fixtures.