England wants to start Eberechi Eze before Nigeria
England’s interest in Eze, however, is complicated by Nigeria, who also have designs on securing his future
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is back on Gareth Southgate’s radar but faces competition from Nigeria to lock-in the forward’s international future.
Levi Colwill, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jacob Ramsey are also among the names also identified for potential senior call-ups by the end of 2023.
Eze, 24, has played a lead role in Palace’s excellent run under Roy Hodgson that has seen the club fight off the threat of relegation, scoring six goals in seven matches.
His performances for the Eagles have not gone unnoticed by Southgate, who believes Eze has the makings of a full England international.
The FA already have extensive scouting reports on the former Under-21 star and were ready to hand Eze his first senior call-up in 2021, but a serious Achilles injury dashed his hopes of being selected
.Having recovered from the injury, it is understood Eze was selected in Southgate’s provisional 55-man squad for last year’s World Cup in Qatar, but didn’t make the final cut.
And Southgate has been alerted to his recent form, although it remains to be seen whether next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia arrive too early.
There is stiff competition in attacking areas, with Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and James Maddison all vying for places.
Nevertheless, Eze is being earmarked for an international breakthrough provided he continues progressing.
England’s interest in Eze, however, is complicated by Nigeria, who also have designs on securing his future.
Nigeria have tried several times to convince Eze to play for them but the player is still to make a final decision. Eze is eligible for Nigeria through his parents. Nigeria’s interest in Eze is ongoing, a prospect England staff are aware of.
Southgate has continued to refresh his squad with younger players during his reign and is keen to integrate fresh blood into his squad ahead of the Euros in Germany next year.
