Eberechi Eze answers critics with strong England start after Roy Keane slams sloppy cameo

Eberechi Eze responded to high-profile criticism with a full 90-minute performance for England in their 3-0 Nations League win over Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday. The Arsenal attacker, who had been singled out by pundit Roy Keane for a poor cameo against Croatia, was handed a start by manager Thomas Tuchel and seized the opportunity to remind everyone of his quality.

Roy Keane's pointed criticism puts Eze under the spotlight

Keane did not hold back in his assessment of Eze's 20-minute substitute appearance in England's 7-0 thrashing of Croatia on October 4. Speaking on ITV before the Czechia match, the former Manchester United captain called the player's contribution "really sloppy" and questioned his off-the-ball work rate. "We know how good he is at coming and getting the ball, but we didn't see that running power off the ball," Keane said. He suggested these issues were not isolated to the international stage, noting similar moments had crept into Eze's performances for Arsenal. The pundit framed the subsequent start against Czechia as a "big test" for the 28-year-old.

Eze reflects on a 'special' starting role and positional flexibility

Given that chance, Eze played the entire match from the left flank, helping England secure another clean victory. After the final whistle, he expressed his satisfaction at contributing from the outset. "It is always special to play. I always want to play and enjoy my football," Eze said. He acknowledged the challenge of finding rhythm after limited minutes but felt he succeeded against Czechia. The attacker also addressed the ongoing debate about his best position, showing a pragmatic attitude. "I don't really mind to be honest," he stated, referring to playing centrally or on the wing. "They are both different and they both have pros and cons... I enjoy both." This versatility could be key for Arsenal, especially with Christos Tzolis currently absent.

The performance showed signs of the improvement Arsenal need

Eze's display at Wembley was widely seen as a step in the right direction. After the disappointing cameo, he needed a response and produced a more complete and influential performance. He looked more engaged without the ball and was tidier in possession, directly addressing the flaws Keane had highlighted. This upturn is vital for his club prospects. Eze has lost his starting place at Arsenal and knows consistent performances are the only way to win it back. His showing for England, under the watchful eye of a manager in Tuchel who clearly rates him, provides a timely confidence boost ahead of the Premier League's return.

The challenge now is translating international form to club consistency

The international break has framed Eze's current situation perfectly. He enjoys the trust of the England manager, with all but one of his six starts for the national team coming under Tuchel in the last 18 months. Yet at Arsenal, his place is not guaranteed. The criticism from Keane, while blunt, pinpointed the inconsistency that has hampered him at club level. His technical ability is undeniable, but the demand is for relentless application in every phase of play. Proving he can deliver that week in, week out is the next hurdle. A strong run in the Arsenal side could solidify his England role ahead of a busy period of [fixtures](/fixtures).

• Roy Keane criticised Eberechi Eze's "sloppy" 20-minute cameo for England against Croatia on October 4.
• Eze started and played 90 minutes in England's subsequent 3-0 Nations League win over Czechia at Wembley on October 7.
• The Arsenal attacker has now started six times for England, with five of those starts coming under manager Thomas Tuchel.
• Eze stated he has no positional preference, saying he enjoys playing both centrally and on the left wing for club and country.