EBERECHI Eze became the latest player with Nigerian heritage to feature for England tonight as they defeated Malta 4-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
The 24-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder born in London to Nigerian parents made his Three Lions debut as a 69th minute substitute for James Maddison.
England scored thrice in the first half through an own goal from Ferdinando Apap, a fine strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a penalty by Harry Kane.
Callum Wilson completed the scoring from another penalty 14 minutes after Eze’s introduction as England won their third straight match to stay on top of Group C.
Eze joins the likes of the late Ugo Ehiogu, Gabby Agonlahor, Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori in representing England at senior level despite their Nigerian blood.
In other Euro 2024 qualifying fixtures tonight, France eased past Gibraltar in Portugal, Denmark edged Northern Ireland 1-0 in Copenhagen and Ukraine came from behind to beat their hosts North Macedonia in Skopje.
Olivier Giroud equalled Thierry Henry’s 123 appearances for France and extended his lead as record goal scorer with his 54th goal for Les Bleus as he opened the scoring tonight at the Estadio Algarve in Faro.
Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 from the penalty spot and Aymen Mouelhi scored an own goal as France earned their third consecutive victory in Group B.
Jonas Wind netted the only goal for Denmark in their win over Northern Ireland in Copenhagen as they secured their second win in Group H to go level on six points with Kazakhstan, who beat San Marino 3-0 tonight.
In Skopje, Chelsea forward Mykhail Mudryk registered two late assists as Ukraine came from two goals down to beat their hosts 3-2 for their first victory in Group C.
In Group D tonight, Turkey won 3-2 away to Latvia, while Wales were beaten 4-2 at home by Armenia, just as Switzerland and Israel secured crucial 2-1 wins in Group I over Andorra and Belarus respectively.
The only goalless match of the night was in Group I between Kosovo and Romania while Greece defeated Ireland 2-1 in Athens in Group B.
