Roy Keane and Gary Neville have come to a disagreement over Trent Alexander-Arnold's role in the England team.

The Liverpool star was selected in Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024, and is seen as a certainty to make the final cut. 

Alexander-Arnold was listed on England's team announcement sheet as a midfielder, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate testing the 25-year-old in the central of the pitch on a number of occasions heading into this summer's tournament. 

Manchester United legends Keane and Neville debated whether the Liverpool vice-captain is good enough to play in midfield for England against the bigger nations, while speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.  

Keane said: 'You can't play him in there against one of the top teams. In one or two of the group matches you get away with it, but if you play Trent in there against one the top nations, defensive side of the game we are talking about, he can't defend. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold was selected in England's provisional 33-man squad for the Euros

'I think (Declan) Rice has got enough about him, he's played a lot of games, I'd have no problem of Rice as your option, the sitting role. I'd still be worried as a two (man midfield),  I think Trent against the real top teams – the French or Germany, whatever it might be, in the knock-out games - if you are playing Trent in there he can't defend.

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'In midfield, you have to defend in midfield. Defensively he dangles his leg in, look back at the Everton game, he's not aggressive in defensive situations. 

'On the ball I love him, absolutely love him, but at that level we are talking about, the knockout games, England will obviously get through the group, but the knock-out games, if Trent gets in there and gets asked to do a defensive job for England against a really good team (he'll struggle).'

His former Manchester United team-mate and fellow Sky Sport pundit Neville said that he sees it 'different' to Keane.

He said: 'The reason being is that Declan Rice will play here (deeper on the left), Trent Alexander-Arnold will play here (slightly higher in the right centre-midfield) and Jude Bellingham here (further forwards). But because Kyle Walker is in that right channel, Alexander-Arnold has the cover behind him in John Stones and Walker.'

Keane continued to argue his case, insisting that the 25-year-old 'can't smell danger' in defensive situations.

He said: 'I don't mind a player who's not bad at defending, but I watch every game he plays for Liverpool, whether he's right back or comes into midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold can't smell danger.

'I get that putting him in midfield means he's higher up the pitch and he has the security behind him, but as a defender, you still won't want players running at you the whole time. They'll get away with it against the lesser teams, but if he plays in there (defence), all the best.'

Alexander-Arnold is a player who has divided many when it comes to his England place over recent years.

The Liverpool right-back is one of the most creative players in the Premier League, with very few matching him in terms of his passing ability. 

However, his defensive deficiencies have been a regular focal point of conversation, and has hurt his chances of becoming a regular in England's starting XI.

Southgate struggled to find a place for him at right-back with the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James offering fierce competition. 

The England boss has regularly tested Alexander-Arnold in midfield, a position where the player feels comfortable. 

He told the Athletic: 'It depends on the manager. I’ve had good talks with the England manager. A manager tells you how he wants you to play and you go out and play that role. 

'I’ve evolved year after year, coming into the centre more than ever. I like to get on the ball in the middle of the pitch and make things happen. Whether I start in that role or just move inside when we’ve got the ball, it doesn’t bother me. I just want to play.'

When asked over playing in a No 8 or 6 role, he added: 'Either really. I can play a pass, I can receive the ball, I can do things with the ball. It’s more about what the manager wants to see from me defensively — whether he wants to see me jumping out or being a bit more protective.'

Neville and Keane were speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.