England star reveals stance on bench role after snubs in Ghana and Croatia matches

Eberechi Eze has revealed his stance on his time on the bench during England's two opening World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana.

The England star signed for Arsenal last summer for a fee of £67million. However, the summer addition had to be patient before making his mark for the recently crowned champions.

He faces the same situation in the England squad, having only played just over 15 minutes in the World Cup so far, although this could change in the last match of Group L against Panama tomorrow night.

When asked if his lack of minutes for the Gunners at the start of his tenure in North London is positive for him on the international stage, he replied: "It definitely does help. I feel like that's the type of position I've been put in.

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"It's the mentality I've grown up having as well, staying ready, staying resilient, trusting that the time will come.

"And whenever you're called upon, being ready to express yourself and give what you've got.

"If that's the case this tournament I'm sure I'll be ready for that."

The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes just twice in Arsenal's Premier League campaign before the turn of the year.

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However, he stayed patient, and in 2026, he's had more of a part to play in helping the Gunners to their first title in 22 years, including scoring a hat-trick in the North London derby.

He is now bidding to end 60 years of hurt for England and hoping to play a bigger role in their clash against Panama.

Thomas Tuchel has promised changes. The Three Lions were unable to break down a robust Ghanaian defence in Boston on Tuesday in a long 0-0 draw.

Eze argued that using two No10s against similarly stubborn opposition could be the solution.

He added: "Yeah, I think that's an option. It's something that the manager has spoken about before, so it's definitely something that we've got."

He also went on to confirm that his teammate Declan Rice is fine despite suffering from a dead leg in the Ghana match.

Rice is already on a yellow card and could very well be rested for the last match versus Panama.

Eze went on to say: "He's Dec. He plays football, and he wants to play football. He wants to play every game, and he'll do whatever he can to help the team.

"When you're watching him play, I don't see him playing as if he's carrying anything. You see him enjoying himself and having fun. I'm sure he's okay."

Eze seemed unimpressed when asked about the viral Ghanaian witch doctor, who claims to have lifted the curse he was said to have put on Harry Kane, preventing him from scoring against the West Africans.

Coincidentally, Kane missed a golden opportunity towards the end of the match, as he failed to find the back of the net from close range after Nico O'Reilly's header rattled the crossbar.

To this Eze replied: "Do you believe that? Yeah, I'm not too interested in that type of conversation."

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