Eberechi Eze is putting in the work as England's national team intensifies its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Crystal Palace midfielder is a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans, and the team is currently in Camiral Golf & Wellness resort, focusing not only on upcoming qualifiers but also on building the stamina and resilience required for the conditions expected in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
One of the unique training methods Tuchel has implemented involves the players using biometric tablets while cycling for 45 minutes in tents heated to a minimum of 35 degrees Celsius. This innovative approach allows the Football Association's experts to monitor the players' core body temperatures under stress, providing valuable insights into how they will cope with the extreme heat expected during the World Cup. Eze himself described the experience as "quite difficult," noting the challenge of maintaining a consistent level of effort while being closely monitored. He acknowledged the value of the exercise, stating that it provided "a bit of an insight into yourself and how you will cope in those situations." Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer echoed Eze's sentiments, calling the training "tough" and highlighting the need to maintain a certain level of output on the bike in the sweltering conditions.
Eze's dedication to preparing for the World Cup reflects his growing importance to the England squad. Since scoring his first international goal in a 3-0 victory against Latvia in March 2025, he has become an increasingly influential figure in the team. Tuchel has spoken about how that goal inspired Eze, leading to a strong finish to the domestic season, which included scoring the winning goal for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Eze's journey to becoming a key player for England has been marked by perseverance and determination. After spells in the youth academies of Arsenal, Fulham, and Reading, he began his senior career with Queens Park Rangers in 2016. His breakthrough season came in 2019-20, during which he scored 14 goals and was named the club's Player of the Year. This impressive form led to a £17 million transfer to Crystal Palace, where he has continued to develop into one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking talents.
His contributions to Crystal Palace have been significant. He has made over 140 appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals. Notably, Eze scored a stunning bicycle kick goal against West Ham, showcasing his athleticism and technical ability. In the 2025 FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, Eze opened the scoring with a long-range effort, helping his team secure a place in the final. He then went on to score the winning goal in the final against Manchester City, securing Crystal Palace's first-ever major trophy.
On the international stage, Eze made his senior debut for England in June 2023 in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Malta. He earned a spot in England's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, further solidifying his status as a key player for the national team. He has so far earned 10 caps for England, scoring one goal.
As England's preparations for the 2026 World Cup intensify, Eberechi Eze's commitment to pushing his limits, both physically and mentally, is clear. His dedication to adapting to new training methods and his consistent high-level performances on the field position him as a vital asset for England's quest for success in the upcoming tournament.
