FORMER Burnley full-back Lee Dixon has hailed Michael Keane's breakthrough week for England.

Keane played both games for the Three Lions over this international break, making a debut in the friendly in Germany before a first competitive appearance in the World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday.

Dixon, who began his career at Turf Moor, was impressed by what he saw from Keane and he believes the 24-year-old is piling the pressure on those above him in the international pecking order.

Keane played in a back three in Dortmund before playing alongside John Stones in a four-man defence at Wembley, with Gary Cahill suspended and Chris Smalling out injured.

"He has (been assured), obviously playing two different systems as well has given him something to think about," said Dixon.

"Especially the Germany game as well, a big game playing over there. It was a big test for his debut. But he was assured, pinging balls shows the confidence he's got by playing week-in week-out at Burnley.

"I thought he played really well in that first half against Germany, in that little slot either side of the central defender. His tackling, his timing, his distribution and his presence, he's got a presence about him.

"As soon as you go into a side and do well on your debut the other centre halves will be going like that (looks around) oh, heck, he's come here (giving competition for places)."

England boss Gareth Southgate was also impressed with Keane's performances in the two games.

"[We had] two very young centre-backs which is a plus in the way they defended. [Michael Keane] has been a real bonus," said Southgate.

"Obviously we knew about him but to make a full debut away in Germany as well as he did and (on Sunday) he was excellent."