Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to play in midfield for England at Euro 2024.
The Liverpool defender started alongside Declan Rice in the middle for the Three Lions in their 1-0 win against Serbia on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold played 69 minutes before being substituted for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Speaking before the game, Roy Keane explained his belief that the Liverpool star will be fine in the groups at the tournament but will be ‘ripped to shreds’ against one of the top nations in that position.
And it appears as though fellow Manchester United legend Ferdinand is also worried about the 25-year-old’s prospects if the Three Lions progress.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “I just look at it like I’m an opposing midfielder.
“I’m looking at it thinking, ‘This is a disrespect putting a right-back against me. Nah, I’m going to show you’.
“He’s not a specialised midfielder and I think when the details come into them big games, and half a yard is a massive difference in shutting off the lane to a striker or someone to be getting in with a through ball.
“That difference and that detail is where you come stuck when you’re not a specialised centre midfielder, and that’s where our concerns will be.”
France legend Emmanuel Petit told talkSPORT that he thought Alexander-Arnold was ‘lost’ on the pitch in midfield against Serbia.
The 25-year-old has previously played in such a role for England but manager Gareth Southgate could reconsider his inclusion in that area.
Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are other options he can choose from as well as Jude Bellingham, although he is likely to stay further forward.
Southgate will have another couple of days to decide as England face Denmark in Group C on Thursday, live on talkSPORT.
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News Summary:
- ‘This is a disrespect’ – Rio Ferdinand shares Roy Keane’s Trent Alexander-Arnold fears
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