Manchester United legend Roy Keane has criticised Arsenal and England star Eberechi Eze for his 'really sloppy' play off the ball, calling on the attacker to improve ahead of England's Nations League clash with the Czech Republic.
Eze retained his place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad after this summer's World Cup, despite limited substitute appearances for Arsenal at the start of the Premier League season. The 28-year-old was left on the bench for England's opening match against Spain but came on as a replacement in the following games away to the Czech Republic and Croatia.
He was handed a start for England's fourth and final match of the international break, playing on the left flank in support of captain Harry Kane, who was earning a record-equalling 125th cap at Wembley.
Keane's criticism of Eze's cameo
Speaking before the match, Keane said he was 'disappointed' by Eze's substitute appearance in England's previous encounter, a 7-0 victory over Croatia. The former midfielder was critical of Eze's contribution out of possession.
'I was disappointed with him the other night [against Croatia] when he came on,' Keane said. 'Obviously England are attacking and doing really well so when you get opportunities you've got to take them.'
'I thought he was really sloppy with some of his play so it's a big opportunity for him tonight.'
Call for Eze to embrace the challenge
Keane added that it was a 'big test' for Eze, noting that while his ability with the ball is known, his running power off it had not been seen against Croatia. He also suggested Eze needs to bring his 'A-game' and embrace the competition for places at both club and international level.
'I just worry sometimes players are going, "Oh, it's not my time or he's better than me"… embrace that challenge that the other players have brought to the England squad and at Arsenal,' Keane said.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, on punditry duty alongside Keane, suggested Eze's 'languid' style could make his off-the-ball play look worse than it is. Former England and Arsenal full-back Lee Dixon also weighed in, saying the left wing is not Eze's favourite position but he still has to put in a performance.
