Nigerian-born Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has snubbed Nigeria and pledged loyalty to England, News About Nigeria reports.
Eze was shortlisted in England’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had on several occasions made moves to get him to play for the West African country without success.
However, Eze has now made an impression on the coach of England’s national team who has called him up, ahead of their qualifiers.
According to Gareth Southgate, the 24-year-old has always been his delight and had earlier made moves to get him into his squad.
He also admired his playing style, saying he can put out his any team’s defense with his dribbling skills.
Southgate hopes he delivers on his usual form when he plays his first game for the Three Lions of England.
“We’ve liked him for a long time. He was very unfortunate I think just before the Euros. We were going to call him into a prep camp to have a look at him but he got a bad injury.
“I remember talking about him then but heard he picked up an injury in training that day, so, I think he has finished the season very strongly.
“He can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line. He’s a goal threat, he’s got nice ability and speed to go pass people and take people out of the game with dribbling skills, so, we are hoping to seeing him very closely. Everybody I speak to, talks brilliantly about him as a person.”
Here is the list of the full squad below
GOALKEEPERS
Sam Johnstone
Jordan Pickford
Aaron Ramsdale
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Lewis Dunk
Marc Guehi Harry Maguire
Tyrone Mings
Luke Shaw
John Stones
Kieran Trippier
Kyle Walker
MIDFIELDERS
Eberechi Eze
Conor Gallagher
Jude Bellingham Jordan Henderson Kalvin Phillips
James Maddison
Declan Rice
FORWARDS
Phil Foden
Jack Grealish
Harry Kane Marcus Rashford
Bukayo Saka Callum Wilson
