Eberechi Eze’s journey with the England national team has come full circle. The Crystal Palace star is now poised to shine at Euro 2024, three years after a devastating Achilles injury prevented him from participating in the previous edition.
Eze’s path to the top was unconventional, requiring resilience and determination. Released by Arsenal, Fulham, Reading, and Millwall as a youth player, he finally got another chance at QPR at 18. After a successful loan spell at Wycombe, he joined Crystal Palace in 2020.
In his first Premier League season, Eze impressed, earning a provisional England call-up. However, disaster struck when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, forcing him to watch the Euros from afar.
Eze drew inspiration from gymnast Artur Dalaloyan, who won Olympic gold just three months after a similar injury. After six months of recovery, Eze returned to football, staying positive and focused on his goal.
Finally, in June 2023, he made his England debut, earning four caps and a spot in the Euro 2024 squad. Eze credits his journey for his strength and character, saying, “You fail more than you succeed,” but “anything’s possible” with hard work and belief.
With his selflessness extending beyond football through The Eze Foundation, Eze is determined to make a difference on and off the pitch, inspiring others with his story.