Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney agree Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold as England bid

Gareth Southgate has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will line up for England in their European Championship opener against Serbia, despite criticism from Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane.

Ignoring the ex-Manchester United pair’s advice about Alexander-Arnold’s perceived defensive vulnerabilities, the Three Lions boss looks set to deploy the Liverpool man in the center of the park regardless.

Considering the scrutiny, initially from Rooney, Southgate said: “Everyone is more than entitled to an opinion. This is our world and we have to accept it – but then we have to go and show what we can do,” adding: “We’ve spoken. to Trent about playing the role more than a year ago. It’s something he was very keen to do.

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Rooney is one of many who have questioned the tournament call. Speaking about Overlap, he said: “I think it will go with Trent. I think he is probably the most talented player with the ball at his feet that we have.

“Defensively, he’s all over the place. He can’t defend. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near midfield. I wouldn’t have a problem playing him here (at right-back).

“I think here (midfield), I wouldn’t have him anywhere near. And I love Trent, actually. I think on the ball, the things he can do, nobody else can do.” Rooney then predicted that against better opposition later in the tournament a change would be needed.

“100 per cent, (if) we get into the quarter-finals and play France, Trent is not playing in midfield,” he said. “For me, I don’t think Gareth has enough confidence in him to play him in midfield. And he has his doubts, as do I, about the mid game.

“Then you’ll see (Conor) Gallagher or (Kobbie) Mainoo there. I don’t think he trusts Trent defensively, which I think he’s right to do. In games where you think you’re going to dominate possession, I think you’re probably going to see him there.”

Alexander-Arnold has been used in a hybrid midfield role at Liverpool in the second half of the 2022/23 season, which has coincided with an impressive turnaround for Jurgen Klopp, but the former Reds boss has previously ruled out using Alexander -Arnold in midfield.

Roy Keane, however, agrees with Rooney. Speaking on ITV, he said: “I think they’ll be good in the group stages. I think Trent’s position will be good in those games but it’s against the real top teams I think that will be revealed.

“I think he’ll be torn apart if he plays against one of the best teams in midfield.” The former midfielder then added: “It’s all about finding the balance in your team.

“They have some brilliant individuals, I’ve mentioned that many times before. Four or five players who would make any team at this tournament, but the balance is right.

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

Alexander-Arnold is expected to partner Declan Rice in midfield, with Southgate seemingly swayed by the 25-year-old’s passing prowess and set-piece expertise, suggesting the move is a gamble he is willing to take.

As a result, Phil Foden is set to be deployed on the left flank despite his central successes at Manchester City, while Jude Bellingham is expected to back up frontman Harry Kane.

Captain Kane is looking forward to Alexander-Arnold’s contribution to the team, highlighting his exceptional passing skills. Kane noted: “Trent has shown his ability over many seasons now. That’s from right back or that midfield role.

“He’s got amazing delivery from wide areas, amazing vision with his passes – and I think as a forward you can’t help but like that if you’re making runs, there’s someone out there looking for you.”

“You might not always get the ball, but it’s always important that the midfielders and forwards have that connection, where you’re willing to run because they have the ability to put the ball in behind.”