Eberechi Eze happy to bide his time with England after Arsenal experience

The Three Lions face Panama on Saturday night. 

Eberechi Eze is happy to wait for his chance with England (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Eberechi Eze says his experience of having to wait for his moment at Arsenal will stand him in good stead to help England’s World Cup bid.

Eze took time to settle in at the Emirates Stadium after his summer move from Crystal Palace, but ended up contributing to the Premier League title and a run to the Champions League final.

The 27-year-old is not one of Thomas Tuchel’s starters at the tournament, getting 16 minutes as a second-half substitute in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ghana, and knows he is in a similar position.

“I think it definitely does help,” he said. “I feel like that’s the type of position I’ve been put in.

Eberechi Eze, left, has only played 16 minutes so far at the World Cup (Martin Rickett/PA)

“It’s the mentality that 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 do, what you’ve got.

“If that’s the case, this tournament, I’m sure I’ll be ready for that.”

England struggled to break down the low block of Ghana in Boston, leading to suggestions Thomas Tuchel could play two number 10s in similar matches going forward.

That could open the door for more minutes Eze.

Eze is happy to play the waiting game with England (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“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,” the added.

“But the manager chooses the team, and they do so much research and analysis to find out what’s the best way to attack an opponent, so trusting what they’re doing and the way that they think because at end of the day they’re the ones that make the decision.”

Eze said he is “sure” Gunners team-mate Declan Rice will be fine after the midfielder is being checked after picking up a calf problem during the Ghana draw.

Rice revealed before the match that he had been carrying a hamstring injury in the second half of the domestic campaign.

Eze is confident Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice will be fit for the Panama clash (Martin Rickett/PA)

“I’ll say, he’s Dec, isn’t he? He plays football and he wants to play football,” Eze added.

“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. So I’m sure. I’m sure he’s OK.”