Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has finally earned a call-up to the Three Lions of England,after turning down the chance to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick made representations to the 24-years-old Eze who has scored 10 goals this season for Palace, but he insisted severally that England was his first choice and would rather wait. Besides, his coach Roy Hodgson, former England coach, impressed on him to avoid Nigeria.
Eze is on the list of England squad for June’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. It was a reward for his outstanding contribution to Crystal Palace staying up in the Premier League. He scored six goals in their last eight games.
Meanwhile Raheem Sterling has been left out by mutual decision after talks with boss Gareth Southgate. While Trent Alexander-Arnold,Tyrone Mings and Lewis Dunk have also been recalled. Chelsea trio Reece James, Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell miss out through injury, while there is no place for Arsenal’s Ben White,Tottenham’s Eric Dier, Everton’s Conor Coady or AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori who also prefers England to Nigeria.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope is also not included as he needs an operation on a hand injury, with Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone recalled for the first time since March 2022 as his replacement.
Manchester City quintet John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips are included but will join up with the squad late because of their participation in the Champions League final against Inter Milan on 10 June.
England face Malta in Ta’ Qali on Friday, 16 June, before playing North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.The Three Lions top the early Group C table after beating Italy and Ukraine in their opening two qualifying matches in March. With BBC reports
