Eberechi Eze made his World Cup debut earlier this week and is content to take on whatever role England need him to perform as the race for selection hots up in the final third
Eberechi Eze is prepared to take on any role necessary for England
Eberechi Eze is prepared to take on any role necessary for England
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Eberechi Eze says he felt “blessed” to get his World Cup debut - and now he wants to really make his mark on the tournament.
Arsenal midfielder Eze came on as a substitute against Ghana to make his bow after a gee-up message from Thomas Tuchel on the touchline. Eze came on but could not help England to victory and is now hoping to get more of a chance to show what he can do in the tournament.
When asked about what Tuchel said before he went on, Eze said: “Go out, enjoy it, try to win the game, really focus on what you are trying to do, it's something I am blessed to have and something that I do not take for granted. Trying to find space in a system is difficult; being effective, each game is different, is interesting and gives you the right of way I guess.
“It is a beautiful experience and having the chance to play in this and win, is an amazing thing to be part of, and it is an amazing thing to be a part of. I don’t mind which position and role to play for me, as long as I am doing that, whether starting or coming off the bench it is your responsibility and enjoy as much as I can.
"It is good and happy just to be in there. Every game is different and difficult in its own way. You want to come in and affect the game. They were difficult, they were extremely solid, but that is my responsibility to change the game.”
Eze says he is not feeling any fatigue or tiredness from such a gruelling season because he is motivated and also Arsenal’s title has given him new confidence.
He added: “For me personally I don't need much more motivation than the tournament; I am motivated and love playing football so I am ready. Having players who have won things, it makes you even more confident. For me it is no different, I try not to take too much interest in what people say, we are on the inside and focusing on what we need to win, that is what I am going to do.”
Eze also picked out an unexpected team when asked about Spain and who has impressed him. He added: “I think there are a lot of good teams and so many games, I enjoyed watching the Ivory Coast, they are so strong and positive, they managed the ball really well, they have really strong and effective players, but I am very focused.”
Marcus Rashford is among the attacking stars available to Thomas Tuchel
Marcus Rashford is among the attacking stars available to Thomas Tuchel(Image: Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford is pushing to start in England’s final Group match with Panama. Rashford was only a late substitute against Ghana and has only played a total of 27 minutes in England’s World Cup campaign.
Rashford did nurse a hamstring and muscle tightness after coming on against Croatia which immediately raised fitness concerns. But it is understood that Rashford feels he is fully fit, raring to go and ready to start as he hopes to play against Panama.
Rashford has just finished the season with Barcelona in good form and, while he had fitness issues after Croatia, he does not see it as being an issue ahead of Panama.
Anthony Gordon started England’s first two games on the left wing but did not perform well against Ghana and that could be an obvious change for Thomas Tuchel to make ahead of the final Group game in New Jersey. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is another player pushing to start after also being a substitute in the opening two games.
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