LONDON – Eberechi Eze has likened the intensity levels of Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta and praised their influence on his game.
The Arsenal striker came off the bench on Thursday to add sparkle to England’s win over Serbia with a brilliant finish from inside the box. This is Eze’s third goal with his country, and the second match in a row in which he has scored.
He has been part of every English team since Tuchel’s reign began in January, and since his move to Arsenal in the summer, he has become an influential member of Arteta’s squad.
“Personally, I will only talk about the level of intensity of performance, taking steps in the game, and understanding the game differently,” Eze said when asked what his coaches added to his playing style.
“I feel like the goal is to see things better and more clearly… Of course they will make me a better player (from) the way I think, the way I work.
“They’re both very strong, and they’re both very detail-oriented, which is one of the most important things. That helps me.”
Given the depth of the England squad, Eze has largely found himself restricted to a bench role. Competing for positions has become something he has embraced, and he said that his mentality does not differ whether he is a substitute or a starter.
“It’s the same honestly. (If) you have a 30-minute window, take advantage of it, it’s 90 minutes. This is my job. This is my role. I want to come in and be as effective as possible and help the team be better,” he said.
When asked if he considered his goal against Serbia to be his biggest moment for England, he said: “Not really. I feel like I do my best in every game. Whenever I have the opportunity to score, assist or create chances. That’s what I try to do and I enjoy it.”
Competition is fierce for places in midfield, with Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham competing for the 10th position. Despite his star status at Real Madrid, Bellingham remained on the bench against Serbia with Rogers getting the nod in the starting lineup.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder came on around the hour mark to take part in a lively affair, playing a part in Eze’s goal late in the game.
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Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said: “We have depth as a team… England, at the moment, you have to play well and Judd is playing well for his club and this is his first camp since the summer and he participated tonight and had a huge impact.”
“But I think we’ve got credit for Morgan, and I think he’s been involved in the last few games. I think the manager has put his trust in him even though there’s someone like Judd as well, Phil (Foden) on the bench.”
“We have a lot of options and it’s about being an English team, staying together, enjoying that togetherness that we have and continuing to move together.”
