Southgate considering shock England call-up for breakthrough Premier League star but could miss out to another country
GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering a shock call-up for Eberechi Eze but England could miss out on him to another country.
The Crystal Palace star has impressed this season and his recent form has helped guide the club to Premier League safety.
Eze has netted ten goals this season, six of which coming in his last seven games since the appointment of Roy Hodgson.
And his performances have not gone unnoticed by the England manager, who is deciding whether to hand him a first call-up, claim the Daily Mail.
The FA have been tracking the 24-year-old for some time and he was in contention for selection in 2021 before an injury ruined his chances and for the World Cup last year.
It is unclear whether his international debut could come in next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers versus Malta and North Macedonia or if that may be too soon.
However, England must act quickly to secure Eze’s allegiance, with Nigeria working hard to convince him to play for them.
The attacking midfielder is eligible for the Super Eagles via his parents.
Nigeria have supposedly worked hard to seal the deal for Eze and reportedly used to phone him every week.
But rumours suggest they have stopped doing so to relieve pressure on him and not beg.
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Eze is yet to choose where his international future lies.
Southgate believes Eze could be one of the next crop of talent to make the step up to the senior side after previously starring in the Under-21s.
Levi Colwill, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jacob Ramsey have all been earmarked.
But Southgate will not be able to choose Folarin Balogun, who has changed nationalities to the United States.