da apostaganha： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da bwin： Michael Keane has had a poor start to this season. Up until the recent 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Keane had played every minute of Premier League action so far.
In this time, the Englishman has been part of a disappointing defence that has conceded 16 goals in 10 games and been in and out of the relegation zone as a result. However, Marco Silva dropped Keane for the Spurs game and that is a worrying sign for the defender.
In the last few weeks, Mason Holgate has had a rare chance to impress, and the 23-year-old has not disappointed. Prior to his start against Brighton & Hove Albion, Holgate had just 17 minutes of league action to his name. Now, the former Barnsley man has registered a goal, assist and a clean sheet over the past three games.
Plus Keane’s poor displays for England have also cost him a spot in the Southgate’s starting XI. His performance against Czech Republic, where he was at fault for the goal, saw Tyrone Mings slot into his position for the next game.
Now, with his poor performances continuing and the fact Silva has already dropped him, his standing at both club and country level will be placed under scrutiny.
Jordan Pickford’s diminishing form and consistently volatile performances has stimulated a narrative concerning his standing as England’s number one and whether he deserves that responsibility.
With his form equally questionable and Holgate impressing of late, Keane now joins Pickford in the realm of uncertainty over his international future.
Pickford’s errors and awful record so far of 17 goals conceded could perhaps give the likes of Tom Heaton and Nick Pope the number one shirt heading into the Euro’s.
The same may well apply for Keane.
Unless he demonstrates a notable upturn in form, Holgate and Yerry Mina could establish themselves as Everton’s go-to pairing and force Southgate to leave him out of the squad with Euro 2020 looming on the horizon.