Eze breaks silence after Tuchel snub at World Cup

England midfielder Eberechi Eze has said he remains ready to take his chance after being handed limited playing time by manager Thomas Tuchel at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Arsenal star has played only 16 minutes for England so far in the tournament, but insists he is not worried about his place in the team.

Eze, 27, said his experience at Arsenal has taught him patience, resilience and the need to stay prepared until the right moment comes.

The midfielder joined Arsenal last summer in a £67million move and initially had to fight for regular minutes before becoming more influential in the second half of the season.

He is now facing a similar situation with England, where Tuchel has largely used him from the bench.

Speaking ahead of England’s final group match against Panama, Eze said he believes his opportunity will come.

“It definitely does help. I feel like that’s the type of position I’ve been put in,” Eze said when asked if his Arsenal experience had prepared him for his current England role.

“It’s the mentality 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’ve got.

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

Eze could be handed more minutes against Panama, with Tuchel expected to make changes after England were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana in Boston.

The Three Lions struggled to break down Ghana’s defence, raising fresh questions about Tuchel’s attacking set-up.

Eze suggested that playing with two No.10s could be one of the options available to England against teams that sit deep and make space difficult to find.

“Yeah, I think that’s an option,” he said.

“It’s something that the manager has spoken about before, so it’s definitely something that we’ve got.”

The Arsenal midfielder also gave an update on Declan Rice, who picked up a dead leg against Ghana.

Rice, who is already on a yellow card, could be rested for the Panama match.

But Eze said his club and country teammate remains determined to play and is not showing signs of serious discomfort.

“He’s Dec. He plays football, and he wants to play football,” Eze said.

“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. I’m sure he’s OK.”

Eze also dismissed questions about a Ghanaian witchdoctor who claimed to have lifted a curse allegedly placed on Harry Kane.

Kane missed a late chance against Ghana as England failed to score in the match.

Asked about the claim, Eze replied: “Do you believe that? I’m not too interested in that type of conversation.”

England will now look to return to winning ways against Panama as they continue their push to end their long wait for another World Cup title.

For Eze, the message is simple: he is waiting for his chance, but he believes he will be ready when Tuchel finally calls on him.