Eberechi Eze will consider his stunning strike against Serbia to be a statement of his own in terms of his hopes of playing at the World Cup
Given the uproar following his omission from Thomas Tuchel's previous squad, it was somewhat predictable that Jude Bellingham's brief appearance against Serbia would draw attention. The same could be said, albeit to a lesser degree, for Phil Foden.
So, when the goal was dissected on ITV after Eberechi Eze grabbed England's second in the 2-0 win over Serbia, it was hardly surprising that the roles of Bellingham and Foden were spotlighted. Their involvement was indeed significant, even though Bellingham's contribution seemed questionable after he carelessly lost possession deep in his own half.
Foden's part was unquestionably legal, a concise pass to Eze that was tidy but overly praised by some pundits. Yes, it was notable that Bellingham and Foden played crucial roles in the second goal against Serbia, but the goal was primarily about one thing - Eze's splendid finish.
Contrary to what some suggested, Foden did not serve it up on a silver platter for him. It was as fine a strike as we've seen from an England player at Wembley in quite some time.
The build-up was solid but straightforward, the finish was exquisite. Yet much of the conversation on ITV commentary revolved around Bellingham initiating the move from deep and Foden once again demonstrating his nimble footballing intellect.
The vast majority of the discussion should have been about a sensational finish. But Eze not receiving the lavish praise he deserves is nothing new.
Before netting his third England goal in 15 appearances - only three of which have been starts - the Arsenal player had already demonstrated his keen eye for a pass and his impressively quick footwork. Serbian goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic, had luckily deflected an Eze shot onto the crossbar.
Eze is a game-changer. At 27 years old, he's still developing. Arsenal supporters are yet to witness his full potential and would undoubtedly urge Mikel Arteta to utilise him more on the left, where he has proven effective for England.
Eze's time on the international pitch has been limited, but he has made a mark whenever he has played. Recently on Sky Sports, pundit Jamie O'Hara expressed doubt that Eze would make the World Cup squad.
Given O'Hara's allegiances - and Eze's rejection of Spurs in the summer - his views were not unexpected. It's certainly true that England are well-equipped in the attacking midfield area. If everyone is fit in that department, there will be some significant exclusions from Tuchel's squad for World Cup 2026.
Jack Grealish, for instance, already faces a steep challenge to get back into Tuchel's plans. But Eze is likely to make it.
When Anthony Gordon pulled out of this squad due to injury, it was seen as an opportunity for Marcus Rashford to secure his position as the first choice for the attacking role on the left wing. But at the very least, Eze has put himself in contention for that spot.
Such versatility should secure him a spot in next summer's squad. Eze, often underappreciated, could prove to be an indispensable asset for Thomas Tuchel.
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