Roy Keane tells England forward Eberechi Eze to improve his work without the ball

Roy Keane has criticised Eberechi Eze’s contribution without the ball and urged the England forward to make the most of his opportunities after being given a starting role against the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League.

The Arsenal player retained his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad following this summer’s World Cup, despite making only substitute appearances for Arsenal at the beginning of the Premier League season.

Eze was an unused substitute in England’s opening match against Spain, before coming off the bench against the Czech Republic and Croatia. He was then selected on the left wing for England’s fourth and final game of the international break.

The 28-year-old had been hoping to make his first start for his country since England’s impressive victory over France in the World Cup third-place play-off.

England won 3-0 against the Czech Republic, with Harry Kane scoring twice after Vladimir Coufal had put through his own net. The match also marked Kane’s 125th appearance for the Three Lions at Wembley.

Eze showed some promising touches during the 90 minutes but faded as the match progressed, leaving him likely to feel he could have done more to make an impression.

Keane had already expressed his disappointment with Eze’s limited contribution in England’s previous match, a 7-0 victory over Croatia. Speaking before the Czech Republic game, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder questioned the Arsenal player’s performance when his side did not have possession.

“I was disappointed with him the other night when he came on,” Keane said, as quoted by the English newspaper Metro.

“Obviously, England are attacking and playing very well, so when you get your opportunities you have to take them.”

Eze’s chances of establishing himself in Tuchel’s side have been limited since the World Cup, with his early-season involvement for Arsenal also restricted to appearances from the bench. His starting opportunity against the Czech Republic therefore represented an important chance to demonstrate his value to England.

Although he was involved in several encouraging moments, his influence diminished over the course of the game. Keane’s criticism focused on the need for Eze to be more effective when England are out of possession, as well as taking advantage of the attacking opportunities created by the team.