Eberechi Eze Delivers Resilient Display in England’s Final World Cup Warm-Up
Eberechi Eze played a key role in England’s 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday night, winning the penalty that Anthony Gordon converted to double the lead in the second half. The performance came just days after the Arsenal midfielder missed a crucial spot-kick in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Eze, who was given extra time off by England manager Thomas Tuchel following the final in Munich, started on the bench but was introduced in the second half. Within minutes, his sharp turn and dribble into the box drew a foul, earning England a penalty that Gordon slotted home to make it 2-0. Declan Rice had opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and substitute Ollie Watkins headed in a third in the 87th minute to seal the comfortable win in Orlando.
The match, originally scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET, was delayed by an hour due to a storm. Despite the interruption, England dominated from the outset, with Gordon named man of the match after also assisting Rice’s opener.
From Penalty Heartbreak to Redemption
Eze’s contribution in Orlando was a swift turn of fortune. In the Champions League final on June 6, he was the only Arsenal player to miss in the penalty shootout, as the Gunners fell to PSG in a heartbreaking loss. Images of manager Mikel Arteta consoling Eze after the miss circulated widely, highlighting the emotional toll of the defeat.
Tuchel, however, was quick to offer support. In the days following the final, he told reporters that England’s squad would “take care” of Eze, and that the Arsenal quartet—Eze, Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke—had been given an extra week to recover both mentally and physically. “It’s painful for Ebs,” Tuchel said, “but the group will take care of him.” He reminded the players that a penalty shootout defeat “means you did everything right” and that they had enjoyed “a great season” after winning Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years.
Against Costa Rica, Eze showed no signs of a hangover. His direct running and confidence on the ball were evident, and Tuchel praised the impact of his substitutes, noting that they played “with the same intensity and quality against a more tired opponent.”
What This Means for England’s World Cup Campaign
England now turn their focus to their Group L opener against Croatia on June 17 in Kansas. The win over Costa Rica extended the team’s strong defensive record under Tuchel—11 clean sheets in 14 matches—and gave the manager valuable insight into his preferred starting XI, though he declined to confirm it after the match.
Eze’s form adds another attacking option to a squad already brimming with talent. With Harry Kane leading the line and Jude Bellingham operating in an advanced midfield role, England’s creativity in the final third looks potent. The performance of Gordon, who has now registered three goal involvements in his last two England appearances, will also give Tuchel a welcome selection headache.
The victory, combined with the resilience shown by Eze, suggests that England’s squad depth and mental strength are peaking at the right time. As Tuchel noted, “What we saw today was exactly what we wished for and exactly what we wanted. Very proud. Next stop, Kansas.”
England’s campaign will be closely watched, and Eze’s ability to bounce back from adversity could prove pivotal in the knockout stages, where penalty shootouts often decide fates. For now, the Three Lions head into the World Cup with momentum and a clear sense of unity.
For more on England’s preparations and other World Cup stories, read about Djed Spence’s decision to wear a protective mask for the entire tournament and catch up on the World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony details.
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