Former Wycombe Wanderers winger Eberechi Eze has stated that his England debut ‘has been a long time coming’ and that he 'thanked God' for the opportunity.
The 24-year-old, who turns 25 at the end of this month, played the final 20 minutes in the Three Lions’ 4-0 away victory over Malta in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.
His inaugural appearance for Gareth Southgate’s side comes just six years after he made his professional league debut for the Chairboys during the 2017/18 season, whilst on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
It's time for an England debut.
— England (@England) June 16, 2023
Welcome to the #ThreeLions family, @EbereEze10! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/euzIXi3PtV
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His spell at Adams Park only lasted half a campaign where he featured in 22 games and scored five goals, but his performances helped Wanderers achieve promotion to League One at the end of that year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the one-time Chairboy, said: “It’s a big moment, I’m happy to get the opportunity and it’s been a long time coming.
“I’ve been working hard for it and I’m happy that’s happened.
“[When I came on] I do what I usually do and that is pray.
“I thank God for bringing me here and putting me in this position, and I'm grateful for it.
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👏🏻 You’ve come a long way, Ebs. pic.twitter.com/3Q32FikLMD
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) June 16, 2023
“I've put in a lot of work and it’s been a long journey.
“If you keep applying yourself, these opportunities come.”
Additionally, former Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth described the winger as the best player he worked with during his time at the club.
Speaking to the Free Press back in September 2022, the ex-manager said: “I had also signed someone else from QPR that season [Jack Williams] but I was told to have a look at him [Eze].
Further congratulations to former Wycombe Wanderers loanee Eberechi Eze on making his senior England debut - coming on as substitute v Malta 👏👏👏 https://t.co/A5vNpZH0ZQ
— Chairboys on the Net - Paul Lewis (@GasmanCOTN) June 16, 2023
“I had to really convince his agent to allow him to come here because he thought he was better than League Two, but he hadn’t played anywhere else.
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“And when I saw him in training I could see the agent’s point.
“Wow, and I mean wow.
Eberechi Eze proving the Wycombe loan to England appearance pathway is real 💙
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) June 16, 2023
“He was a phenomenal talent for us in the games, in training and those two goals against Cambridge…just wow.
“He’s a great man, a humble person and it’s great to see him do so well.”
After returning to QPR in January 2018 from Wycombe, he would go on to score 20 goals in 112 games for the club, before joining Premier League Crystal Palace for £17m.
He has since featured in 93 games for the Eagles, scoring 15 times.
This includes 10 strikes last season.
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