Eberechi Eze is unrepentant in the face of his recent Champions League final penalty miss against Paris Saint-Germain. Far from dwelling on the setback, he's fired up and ready to step up for England in a World Cup shootout – whenever that might be.
The attacking midfielder, who sent his spot-kick sailing wide in Budapest last month, refused to alter his signature stuttering run-up technique, despite past penalties being saved against Liverpool and Newcastle. “I've been taking penalties for ages, it's all part of the journey,” he said firmly, adding that he wouldn't “get too worked up about it because I know why I'm in this position.” His unwavering composure suggests a player who shrugs off past setbacks as opportunities to grow.
Eze drew inspiration from other top players who've missed crucial penalties, highlighting the resilience of those who keep going. He acknowledged the social media backlash faced by figures like Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka after their Euro 2020 final misses, but remained philosophical: “You step up, you do what needs to be done. If you miss, you move on. If you score, you celebrate. It's all about having the right mentality.”
But it's not just penalties that have been a talking point for Eze recently – his goal in Crystal Palace's 2025 FA Cup final win over Manchester City still echoes through the football world. And let's not forget, he was part of Arsenal's Premier League-winning squad last summer. This sparkling recent form has given him an invaluable confidence boost: “Having that under your belt, experiencing winning, gives you a different level of confidence,” he explained.
As England's No. 10 contenders jockey for position with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, Eze is set to start on the bench for the opening Group L match against Croatia. Yet he remains adaptable and ready to contribute anywhere across the frontline – whenever called upon: “Wherever I'm needed, that's where I'll play. I'll give it my all and enjoy myself.” His refusal to be fazed by high-profile misses is a testament to his unshakeable mental fortitude – essential for the highest level of international football.