Arsenal had a significant influence on England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, and Jamie Vardy believes one more Gunner is about to add to it.
Declan Rice’s set-piece deliveries drew praise from pundits after he provided an assist for Harry Kane’s second goal in the 4-2 win.
Noni Madueke impressed after getting the nod over Bukayo Saka, winning the penalty that led to England’s opener.
Saka himself made an instant impact off the bench, setting up Marcus Rashford’s late fourth goal.
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Arsenal’s fingerprints have been all over England’s opening victory, and Eberechi Eze is itching to add his name to that list.
Jamie Vardy backs Eberechi Eze to make an impact when his World Cup chance arrives
Eze was an unused substitute in the 4-2 win, but Jamie Vardy believes he could be the difference-maker England turn to next.
Speaking on his podcast, Jamie Vardy’s Having A Party, the former Leicester striker heaped praise on Eze.
“He’s a matchwinner.” he said. “He’ll pull something crazy out of the bag and it’s in the top bin so I don’t think you can take things for granted.”
Vardy knows a thing or two about Premier League title-winning quality, having scored 24 league goals during Leicester’s stunning title triumph.
His performances up front for the Foxes attracted Arsene Wenger, who tried to lure him to the Emirates in the summer of 2016, but Vardy rejected the Gunners.
Thomas Tuchel can turn to ‘matchwinner’ Eberechi Eze from the bench
Eze impressed when he came on during England’s 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica in Declan Rice’s left eight role.
That could be a potential solution for Thomas Tuchel should he want to manage Rice’s minutes over the remaining group stage games.
England face Ghana on Tuesday before taking on Panama, with both sides having looked unconvincing in their own Group L opener, a tight 1-0 win for Ghana over Panama.
England should have little trouble seeing off both, giving Tuchel every opportunity to rotate and give his squad players minutes.
Eze will be keen to prove he belongs on the World Cup stage among England’s elite attacking options.
Surely we will see another Premier League champion get his chance to shine in the coming games.
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