Eberechi Eze reflects on limited World Cup minutes
Eberechi Eze has revealed his stance on his time on the bench during England’s two opening World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana, reports BritPanorama.
The England star, who joined Arsenal last summer for a fee of £67 million, has had to exhibit patience before making his mark for the recently crowned champions. So far, he has played just over 15 minutes in the tournament, a situation he hopes will change during the last match of Group L against Panama later tonight.
When asked whether his limited playing time at Arsenal positively impacts his performance on the international stage, Eze responded: “It definitely does help. I feel like that’s the type of position I’ve been put in.” The player emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mentality and readiness, stating, “If that’s the case this tournament I’m sure I’ll be ready for that.”
The 27-year-old’s appearances in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign prior to the World Cup were sparse, featuring the full 90 minutes just twice. However, he remained steadfast during this transitional period, contributing to the Gunners’ first title in 22 years, including a hat-trick in the North London derby.
Eze aims to assist England in overcoming a 60-year wait for a World Cup title as he anticipates a more significant role in their upcoming clash against Panama. Manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated possible changes to the lineup after the Three Lions struggled to penetrate Ghana’s resilient defence, resulting in a disappointing 0-0 draw.
He suggested employing two attacking midfielders, a strategy they had discussed prior, to improve their chances against similarly robust opposition. Eze confirmed that his teammate Declan Rice is fit despite suffering from a dead leg during the Ghana match, although Rice, already on a yellow card, may be rested for the encounter with Panama.
On the topic of Rice’s performance, Eze stated, “He’s Dec. He plays football, and he wants to play every game, and he’ll do whatever he can to help the team.” Reflecting on the lighter side of the game, Eze dismissed claims made by a Ghanaian witch doctor, who allegedly lifted a curse on Harry Kane, saying, “Do you believe that? Yeah, I’m not too interested in that type of conversation.”
Eze’s continued presence in discussions around England’s tactical options highlights his emerging role within the team. With anticipation building for the final group match, the pressure is on not just for individual players but for the collective ambition of the squad.
