AliousWhen Eberechi Eze received a message from the Football Association this time, it’s likely he recalled a particularly challenging moment he describes as “the biggest test” he has faced—a high bar indeed.
Before the 2021 European Championship, Eze clicked on a message that indicated he was on Gareth Southgate’s list for the tournament.
This was Eze’s first senior England recognition. However, he had just been helped off the Crystal Palace training pitch with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Reflecting on the trauma and his earlier setbacks—being released by Arsenal, Fulham, Reading, and Millwall—Eze is open about his experiences.
But when he learned on May 21 that he was in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024, he focused on the future, aiming to secure his place and get to Germany.
The 25-year-old had outperformed Marcus Rashford and faced stiff competition for the attacking positions.
Eze’s preference over Jack Grealish and James Maddison highlights the exceptional season he’s had. In the Premier League, no one can beat a man from a standing start quite like Eze, who seems to glide as he accelerates.
“I try my best to let go of what’s happened before and not dwell on it,” Eze says. “When I got the text this time, I felt gratitude.
I’m determined to seize every opportunity. That was my main emotion.”
Asked whether he has any lingering regrets from the last Euros, Eze replies, “Not really. I just want to enjoy this opportunity.
The hard work I’ve put in has brought me here, and I’m ready to give my all.
The main thing is to enjoy the moment and not dwell on the past.”
Eze acknowledges that his Achilles injury is “part of the journey, part of the story.” Watching the previous Euros was tough, often overthinking and imagining what could have been.
Reflecting on his rehabilitation, Eze recalls hearing various recovery timelines and being inspired by gymnast Artur Dalaloyan, who returned to win gold just three months after an Achilles rupture.
Eze aimed to emulate that determination, returning to full training in four and a half months and rejoining the team after six.
Similarly, his teenage rejections feel like a harsh judgment on clubs that failed to see his potential.
Despite not fully understanding the reasons behind these decisions, Eze doesn’t harbor resentment.
He recognizes that clubs make numerous decisions, some of which are inevitably wrong.
QPR recognized his potential, offering him a one-year contract in 2016.
A successful loan to Wycombe in 2017-18 set the stage for his rise, leading to a £19.5m move to Palace in 2020.
Now, he’s dreaming big for the Euros, hoping to add to his four England caps.
Reflecting on his journey from playing for Wycombe to where he is now, Eze maintains faith in his progress.
He sees his past challenges as stepping stones that have shaped his resilient mentality.
As Southgate prepares for Euro 2024, Eze is poised to make a significant impact.
His hard work and perseverance have brought him to this point, and he’s ready to make the most of this opportunity.
Alious
