Soccer Football - UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier - England Training - St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent, Britain - June 13, 2023 England's Eberechi Eze, James Maddison and Bukayo Saka during training Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
England are back in Euro 2024 action as Gareth Southgate leads his Three Lions side into a last 16 clash against Slovakia.
It’s fair to say that England have not really met expectations during Euro 2024.
Handed a favourable group against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, England were expected to coast through to the knockout stages.
Gareth Southgate’s men have made hard work of it though, beating Serbia 1-0 before draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Two goals scored in three games; it hasn’t been exciting stuff for England so far this summer.
Now facing Slovakia in the last 16, England have to improve and book a spot in the quarter-finals over in Germany.
Bukayo Saka on Eberechi Eze
Southgate is expected to make just the one change against Slovakia with Kobbie Mainoo coming into the midfield in place of Conor Gallagher.
That means Bukayo Saka is poised to keep his place on the right flank despite Cole Palmer’s positive cameo against Slovenia.
The Arsenal star maybe hasn’t been at his brilliant best in this tournament but he is still one of England’s better performers when on form.
Saka has now been quizzed by TalkSPORT on the England squad and who he has been most impressed with during training sessions in Germany.
Saka named Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in that regard, suggesting that he has been ‘class’ in training.
“In training, I would say probably Ebs, you know – Ebere Eze. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say,” said Saka.
Eze has only made one appearance at Euro 2024 so far, coming off the bench during the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
The 26-year-old hit 11 goals and four assists in the Premier League last season and is looking to take his game to another level.
That likely includes more playing time for England moving forward, but also a potential transfer to another Premier League club…
Tottenham Hotspur want Eze
HITC understands that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Eze this summer.
Palace are already losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich and would loathe to lose Eze as well.
Yet with Tottenham looking into a deal and both Liverpool and Manchester City showing an interest, Palace will have to fend off some serious interest.
It’s easy to imagine Eze thriving under Ange Postecoglou either as a left-sided winger or as a number 10, bringing flair and creativity to an attack-minded Tottenham approach.
Saka would no doubt rather see Eze join anybody else, but there is a real chance that the pair end up becoming big rivals in the Arsenal v Tottenham derbies.
