Rio Ferdinand has already told England why ‘unique’ star can replace Jude Bellingham
England manager Thomas Tuchel may already have the ideal replacement for Jude Bellingham in his Three Lions squad.
Bellingham has had shoulder surgery and has not featured for Real Madrid this season, forcing him to be excluded from Tuchel’s first England squad of the new campaign.
England laboured to a 2-0 victory over Andorra, and a better performance will be required when they take on Serbia in hostile surroundings in Belgrade.
Bellingham is a star of the England team, capable of producing fine moments of quality, which were lacking against Andorra, but Tuchel already has a similar calibre of player in his ranks.
Eberechi Eze must start for England vs Serbia
Tuchel is also without Chelsea star Cole Palmer who is out injured during this international break, so the number 10 position is up for grabs in the side.
Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze started against Andorra and should do so again against Serbia.
Eze has the ability to create something out of nothing and is unafraid of driving at defences and taking shots on.
| Eberechi Eze | Stats |
| Appearances | 148 |
| Goals | 34 |
| Assists | 23 |
If Bellingham was unavaliable for the World Cup then Tuchel needs another plan, and Eze could bring a different dimension to the side.
In the toughest game of England’s World Cup qualification, Eze needs to step up and prove his worth to the German, in what could be a key fixture for the 27-year-old.
Tuchel will learn more about his squad against Serbia, and his starting line-up could be an early indicator on who he trusts to take to the World Cup.
What Rio Ferdinand said about Eberechi Eze in 2024
Eze enjoyed a successful period at Crystal Palace, most notably scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, before earning his move to Arsenal.
Speaking in January 2024, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, as per TNT Sports, lauded the talent of Eze.
“His journey has been unique. He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself,” Ferdinand said.
“He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international.
“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play.
“I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].
“If you look at the size of him, he’s got the strength and power to go with it. Again, you’ve got to get out on the pitch and you’ve got to be available.”
Tuchel will be hoping Eze can bring that sense of unpredictability and elusiveness to the England team against Serbia as the fight to earn a World Cup place continues.