Eberechi Eze was one of the Arsenal players to suffer by missing a penalty in the Champions League final and he knows he might have to step up again with England this summer.
Eze’s heartbreaking miss against PSG allowed the French side to take the trophy and it was an unfortunate end to a good season for the former Palace man.
Nevertheless, one thing Eze does not lack is self belief and confidence in the process.
And speaking ahead of England’s World Cup opener v Croatia this week, Eze has spoken out on the possibility of penalties.
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Eberechi Eze confirms he’ll take a penalty for England if needed
England and penalties go hand in hand in big tournaments. The Three Lions have got over their slump in more recent years and it remains to be seen if they’ll need to step up again this summer.
For Thomas Tuchel, it’s about picking the very best penalty takers in his squad.
As for Eze himself, he’s admitted that he’ll very much be step up if Tuchel needs him.
“No, I think I have taken penalties for a long time and it’s part of the journey,” he said. “You have to continue to improve, find new ways to improve. I’m not going to stress too much about it because I know I’m in this position for a reason and all the training behind it.”
“Football is full of everything and you have to try to accept everything as it is, to enjoy it as much as you can,” he added. “Playing in a Champions League final is where I want to be, it’s what I want to do.”
“We’ll go for it again next season and if there is a penalty to take then I’ll be there again. All the big players have missed big penalties, have experienced these type of moments. I’ve had messages from everyone to speak on those moments. For me it’s not something I wish never happened. I’m grateful it happened. I’m going to grow from it, learn from it and move forward.”
Asked specifically on if he’ll take one for England this summer, Eze admitted that he sees no reason why not.
“If called upon, for sure. Why wouldn’t I take it?”
Just like with Bukayo Saka in the Euro 2020 final, Eze might have to step up and put it all behind him if the moment comes.
Ultimately, some of the world’s very best players have missed penalties in big moments.
Hopefully, Eze gets his redemption quickly and plays a pivotal role in helping England progress.
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