Roy Keane hails ‘brilliant’ Trent Alexander-Arnold and identifies the Liverpool star’s unique quality as England cruised to victory over Finland at Wembley

Roy Keane heaped praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in England’s win over Finland.

The Three Lions returned to Wembley for the first time without Gareth Southgate in more than eight years on Tuesday.

Harry Kane captained England in his 100th international appearance, while Lee Carsley again trusted Alexander-Arnold to start on the right side of defence.

The Liverpool star rewarded Carsley’s confidence in him with an assured performance, serving as one of the hosts main attacking outlets and setting up the first of Kane’s two goals on the night.

Speaking following the game Keane insisted Alexander-Arnold’s passing sets him apart from most of his contemporaries in world football.

Roy Keane described the Liverpool defender’s performance at Wembley as ‘brilliant’

‘Brilliant. It was an easy night for him,’ Keane said on ITV Sport. 

‘When you give top players time and space on the ball then obviously their decision making, the type of passes he was making, the pace of the passes.’

‘This pass, not many players can play that. That pass from Trent is absolutely brilliant and effective.’

Alexander-Arnold consistently found himself on the periphery under Southgate, and started just two games at Euro 2024 as the former England boss trialled deploying him in the centre of midfield.

Carlsey’s reign could prove a new dawn for the 25-year-old in international football, and the interim boss hailed his ability to control the game post-match.

‘We played Trent in a bit of a different position, along with Rico [Lewis].’ Carsley said.

Lee Carsley heaped praise on Alexander-Arnold for controlling the game from defence

‘You see from Trent an array of passing, the ability to control the game from a deeper area and get into forward areas as well. 

‘It’s not a surprise, I’ve seen Trent do that for Liverpool this season and throughout his career.’