Roy Keane slams Callum Hudson-Odoi for not taking his chance with England

Callum Hudson-Odoi was criticised by Roy Keane for failing to make the most of his opportunity in the England team against Kosovo on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate named the Chelsea youngster in the starting XI for his side’s final Euro 2020 qualifier, with the winger playing alongside Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling as part of a front three.

It was a rare opportunity for the 19-year-old, who has started just two Premier League games for the Blues since returning from a serious Achilles injury due to Christian Pulisic’s performances in recent weeks.

However, he failed to impress Keane during the 4-0 win and was replaced by Marcus Rashford just before the hour mark in Pristina.

“Hudson-Odoi hasn’t taken his chance yet,” the former Manchester United captain told ITV at half-time.

“He isn’t stretching the defence and has given the ball away too cheaply.

“He needs to step his game up in the second half.”

Keane’s comments were echoed by fellow pundit Lee Dixon, who felt that the teenager should have been more confident in possession.

The former Arsenal defender also warned that the winger won’t get many more chances to impress Southgate on the international stage before England start their Euro 2020 campaign next summer.

“There are only two games left before the squad is announced,” explained Dixon.

“He needs to just run at his full-back. He has to attack more rather than playing the ball inside.”

England got off to a slow start in Pristina, with Harry Winks scoring the only goal of the first half before the visitors finished with a late flourish.

Harry Kane doubled the lead in the 79th minute before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount also found the net to ensure the Three Lions ended the qualifying campaign with a win.

England will enter next summer’s tournament as one of the top seeds after topping Group A with seven wins from their eight matches.