Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier played alongside Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson in midfield last night.
Dier and Henderson were partnered in midfield for England last night, but neither of the pair impressed with their performances.
Dier and Henderson were too keen to pass sideways, and showed little creativity as England stumbled past Slovenia.
And Keown feels that the Liverpool and Spurs stars are still lacking a basic skill.
He said: “Henderson and midfield partner Eric Dier need to learn to let the ball roll across their bodies and play a quicker pass.
“Despite Harry Kane’s late goal, we’re not getting the ball into him early enough as it stands and he is central to England’s hopes in Russia.”
Dier has looked impressive in midfield for Tottenham, but he has more of a duty to create when in an England shirt.
Although the Tottenham youngster has a good range of passing, he is perhaps not the most comfortable in the final third.
England scored their goal against Slovenia through Spurs striker Harry Kane, who managed to convert a Kyle Walker cross.
The Three Lions are now heading to Russia at the World Cup next summer, but there is plenty of work still to be done for Gareth Southgate’s men.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
