Eberechi Eze has come in for criticism from Roy Keane during this international break over the Arsenal player's performances in England's Nations League campaign
Roy Keane speaking inside Wembley Stadium
Roy Keane spoke at length about Eberechi Eze(Image: ITV)
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Roy Keane believes there are too many moments when Eberechi Eze is sloppy in his play for Arsenal and England. The former Manchester United captain has urged him to embrace the challenge of competition at both club and international level.
Eze, 28, started for England in their Nations League match against Czechia and played the full 90 minutes of their 3-0 win. It is just the second time he has not been substituted on or off in his 25 caps.
Both of those were under Thomas Tuchel, the other being in the friendly that England lost to Senegal last June. All but one of his six starts have also come since the former Chelsea boss took charge 18 months ago.
Before kick-off at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, the player's cameo after replacing Anthony Gordon in the 70th minute of their 7-0 win over Croatia came in for criticism. Keane told ITV : "I was disappointed with him the other night when he came on.
"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.
Keane continued to emphasise the importance of the match for Eze: "It's a big test for him tonight. We know how good he is at coming and getting the ball.
Eberechi Eze playing for England
Eberechi Eze has started just six matches for England and rarely plays the full 90 minutes
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"But we didn't see that running power off the ball [against Croatia]. I'm not sure whether he really wants to do it or is unaware he's not doing it, but I think it's a big night for him.
'When you look at the attacking players and the challenges, and I'm including Arsenal, sometimes in his play he can just be a bit sloppy. He needs to bring his A-game.
Speaking more generally about mentality, before focusing back in on Eze, the player-turned-pundit concluded: "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. He seems just to shy away from it, embrace that and bring your A-game.
"As I said, I've watched him far too many times, and there are just too many sloppy moments. Keane's fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright came to the player's defence, saying: "He's got a playing style where if you're sloppy and you're playing with that languid kind of style, then it can look worse than it is.
"I'm not saying he should change his style. But he just needs to tighten everything up a bit because he's an amazing player."
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