“The Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment not working” — Roy Keane

Roy Keane delivered a scathing critique of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in midfield during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark.

The Liverpool defender, who has been deployed in a central role alongside Declan Rice for the second consecutive game, struggled to make an impact and was substituted early in the second half for Conor Gallagher.

Alexander-Arnold’s difficulties in adapting to the midfield role have prompted calls for manager Gareth Southgate to abandon the experiment ahead of the upcoming clash with Slovenia. Keane, the former Manchester United captain, did not mince words when assessing Alexander-Arnold’s suitability for the position.

“When you’ve been taken off in two games, it’s not a good sign,” Keane remarked on ITV. “I thought it was always a huge gamble to play him; a player who doesn’t play there for his club. I know people say he drifts in there for Liverpool. Drifting into a position and starting there is completely different. I’ve played in midfield, and it’s a tough position to play, physically, getting your distances. He’s come up short in the two games. It’s not all down to him. You’d have to probably put this on Gareth, it’s a huge gamble for a full-back to come in the middle of the park.”

Keane further emphasized that England’s struggles against Denmark and in their previous match indicate that the experiment may not be working.

“This is not against the French or the Spanish. This is against two teams you thought England would be fairly comfortable against. It’s a big ask for him, and he’s not up to it.”

Despite the criticism, Southgate defended the decision, citing the absence of a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips as a key factor. Phillips has struggled for form since his move to Manchester City, leading Southgate to explore alternative options.

“It is an experiment, and we know that we don’t have a natural replacement for a Kalvin Phillips,” Southgate told the BBC.

“We’re trying some different things, and at the moment we’re not flowing as we would like, that’s for sure.”

England’s other midfield options include young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton. However, Southgate’s comments suggest that he views Alexander-Arnold’s central role as a necessary trial amid the team’s current limitations.

As England prepares for their next match, the decision to continue with Alexander-Arnold in midfield will be closely scrutinized, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if Southgate’s gamble will eventually pay off.