When Arsenal finally landed boyhood Arsenal fan Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in the summer, the expectation was that he would add stardust to an already slick attack. So far, he has not disappointed, with his hat-trick in the recent North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur underlining that he can be a game-changer on the biggest stages.
Beyond the numbers, Eze’s impact is about rhythm and unpredictability. He receives the ball on the half-turn, glides past markers and commits defenders, opening up space for those around him. Now the question is, does all that earn him a starting spot for England at the World Cup?
Tuchel’s England and Where Eze Fits
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Under Thomas Tuchel, England have become more structured out of possession but more fluid in attack. The German has leaned on a 4-2-3-1 or box-midfield shape, with Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka a key part of his system. Eze has typically been used from the left or as an impact No. 10, drifting inside to overland central areas.
His recent goal against Serbia in World Cup qualifying, arriving late in the box from the left to seal a 2-0 win, felt like the blueprint for his international future. Tuchel has praised his capacity to change the tempo og a game off the bench, but also hinted that England need more one-v-one creativity against deep defensive blocks, an area where Eze excels.
The Stacked Competition for a Starting Berth
The problem, of course, is competition. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are seen as must-starts by many, with both impressing for their clubs this term. Saka will start on the right. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon are also looking to nail down starting spots.
What Eze has in his favour is versatility and momentum. If he continues to shine for Arsenal, he strengthens his argument to start. His off-the-ball work under Mikel Arteta will also impress Tuchel, who wants all his players to contribute when England don’t have the ball.
Can Arsenal Form Push Him Into England’s Starting XI?
Ultimately, Eze’s chance of starting at the World Cup may come down to timing and fitness. A purple patch for Arsenal in the months leading into the tournament would be hard for Tuchel to ignore, especially if some of his rivals are out of form or nursing injuries. Crucially, World Cup betting odds indicate England could go all the way, reflecting the expectation that this generation should be serious contenders and that raises the premium on players who can unlock tight games, like Eze.
Right now, Eze is just outside England’s first-choice XI, but firmly in Tuchel’s thoughts. If he maintains his current level and produces a few more marquee performances for Arsenal in big games, he has every chance of forcing Tuchel to include him from the start.
Conclusion
Eze’s chances of starting for England ultimately hinge on consistency and timing. If he maintains his form for Arsenal and delivers in high-pressure fixtures, he will make himself impossible to overlook. England have an embarrassment of attacking riches, but Eze offers something uniquely unpredictable that can break stubborn opponents. With the World Cup on the horizon, a sustained run of elite performances could see him go from being an impact sub to a starting role.
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