Roy Keane criticised Eberechi Eze before England’s 3-0 Nations League victory over Czechia, telling the Arsenal forward he must improve his contribution when his side does not have possession.
The 28-year-old retained his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad following the World Cup this summer, despite making only substitute appearances for Arsenal at the start of the Premier League season.
Eze was left on the bench for England’s opening match against Spain before coming on as a substitute against Czechia in the first game and Croatia. He had been eager to make his first start for his country since England’s impressive victory over France in the World Cup third-place play-off.
He was eventually named on the left wing for England’s fourth and final match of the international break.
Harry Kane was the standout player against Czechia, scoring twice after an own goal by Vladimir Coufal. The match also marked Kane’s record 125th appearance for the Three Lions at Wembley.
Eze produced several promising moments during the 90 minutes but faded as the game progressed. He may return to Arsenal feeling he could have done more to make an impression.
Speaking before the match, former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane said he had been disappointed by Eze’s brief appearance in England’s previous game, a 7-0 victory over Croatia.
Keane particularly questioned the forward’s work without the ball and challenged him to make more of any opportunities that come his way.
“I was disappointed with him the other night when he came on,” Keane said, as reported by the English newspaper Metro.
“Obviously, England are attacking and playing very well, so when you get opportunities you have to take them.”
The criticism came as Eze sought to establish himself more firmly in Tuchel’s plans. Although he had remained part of the squad, his limited involvement for Arsenal at the beginning of the domestic campaign and his substitute role in England’s first matches meant the fixture represented an important opportunity to demonstrate his quality from the start.
Keane’s comments focused on the need for Eze to influence matches beyond his work in possession. The former Manchester United captain said the Arsenal player must be ready to deliver fully whenever he is given the chance to play.