EBERECHI Eze has opted for England ahead of Nigeria following the Crystal Palace star’s invitation to the Three Lions for their Euro 2024 qualifiers in June.
The 24-year-old midfielder was born in England to Nigerian parents and could have played international football for either country.
He was seriously courted by the Nigeria Football Federation, with former president Amaju Pinnick holding meetings with him in London in order to persuade him to play for the Super Eagles.
However, Eze kept his options open over the last three years, and has now decided to go with England.
He is included in the Three Lions 25-man squad named by Gareth Southgate today for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Malta and North Macedonia in June.
Eze, who has played for England at U-20 and U-21 levels, has been in fine form lately, registering six goals and one assist in his last eight appearances in the Premier League.
If he gets to feature in any of the games in June, Eze will no longer be able to switch nationality to Nigeria, since they are competitive fixtures.
Eze is following in the recent footsteps of AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham and AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori who both opted for England despite their Nigerian heritage.
Incidentally, both are not included in the latest England squad despite being fit and available.
England manager Southgate said at his news conference after announcing his squad that he chose the strongest possible side.
“It (the short time between the season’s end and the qualifiers) hasn’t influenced selections at all. It is a difficult season for clubs the players and us,” he said.
“We are always mindful of the welfare of the players and we have to allow players time to recuperate but not to de-condition physically.
“Like every other country we have important qualification matches on our way to Germany.
“We have picked a strong squad and the players always enjoy coming here. I think we will manage it as well as we can.”
Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling is the most notable absentee, with the likes of Nick Pope, Mason Mount and Ivan Toney also not included.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone.
Defenders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham, EBERECHI EZE, Conor Gallagher, Jordan He
nderson, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice.
Forwards:
Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson.
