Eberechi Eze will take England penalty despite Champions League miss

Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze missed a spot‑kick in the Champions League final shoot‑out against Paris Saint‑Germain, a defeat that ended the club’s season. Despite the disappointment, he said the experience has strengthened his mentality.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Eze told England staff that he is ready to step up if called upon, stating: “If called upon, for sure. Why wouldn’t I take it?” He added that penalties are “part of the journey” and that he will not change his stuttering run‑up. Eze also referenced teammates such as Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, noting that “all the big players have missed big penalties” and that he will use the lesson to grow.

The England squad, now coached by Thomas Tuchel, will face Croatia in its opening match. Eze’s willingness to take a penalty provides another option for the Three Lions in potential knockout‑stage shoot‑outs.