PLAY FOR ENGLAND? HE’LL DO THAT.. EZE-Y PEASY
Hodgson backs Eagles goal hero Eberechi for Three Lions call-up
SHEFFIELD UNITED CRYSTAL PALACE
Benteke 0 2
GIDEON BROOKS
ROY HODGSON says Eberechi Eze should aim for full international honours – if he can continue the progress shown since his switch to Selhurst Park.
The midfielder was the standout player as Crystal Palace confirmed survival with goals from Christian Benteke after 70 seconds and Eze two minutes from time.
And while veteran coach Hodgson (right) insisted the England Under-21 must not be distracted by the praise showering down on him, he believes Eze has the talent to play for his country in time.
Eze, 22, has made eight appearances for the U-21s, most recently in March, and while the step up is huge, Hodgson maintained the potential is there.
“He’s done well enough already, as far as I’m concerned,” said the Palace boss, who will decide this summer whether a fourth season at Selhurst will be the last of his 43 years in management. “I’m happy with Eze this season, absolutely. He’s done well for us. We’re sitting on 41 points and he’s more than played his part in getting to that stage.
“It is his first season coming from the Championship and you expect to need a bit of time to get fully adjusted to play at this level.
“But he was bold when he got the ball and he drove forward, which we know he can do. He stayed on the ball and wasn’t looking to release it as soon as he got it
“We got our rewards for his good play. He’s been playing regularly for the England U-21s and I’ve just automatically assumed that that’s where he sees his career in England and that he’ll keep fighting for a spot.”
Defender Joel
Ward insisted
Eze, who was a £15million signing from
QPR, has sprinkled quality on an already “frightening” attacking unit as the season has progressed.
“The front four or five lads are exciting players,” he said.
“They’re able to create something out of nothing. It could have been five or six, had it not been for some good blocks and some very good saves.”
Eze produced the one moment of real quality in this game, a sublime touch cushioning a ball past John Lundstram close to the touchline on 88 minutes. Skipping clear, he glided three-quarters of the length of the pitch, beat three Blades players, and fired a shot which cannoned in off John Fleck.
If defeat confirmed the Eagles’ survival for another season, it also showed Paul Heckingbottom’s relegated Blades are starting to show battle fatigue.
Too many players look to have run empty after two seasons attempting to keep their heads above water in the top flight.
Aaron Ramsdale was United’s best player. He prevented a more damaging scoreline, denying Benteke before halftime from a point-blank header and Jordan Ayew late on.