One of England star Eberechi Eze’s former teachers has described how the south Londoner had battled adversity to become the “wildcard” who could make the difference in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Eze, 25, was part of a triple substitution that gave England renewed impetus shortly before they equalised with 10 minutes to go in the quarter-final against Switzerland. He was also involved in the build-up to England’s winner in the round of 16 against Slovakia, again after coming off the bench — and could have a key role to play in tonight’s clash with the Netherlands in Dortmund.
The Crystal Palace winger went to The John Roan School in Greenwich and is still in close contact with the teachers and pupils there. Eze, inset, has also set up his own charitable foundation to help London schoolchildren.
His former teacher, Elliot Duncan, told the Standard: “He is such a humble, good person. He is the opposite of the football ‘big time Charlie’. When he played at school he was not that tall and lads tried to bully him off the ball, but he stood his ground.
“He would always come away from the ball and go past players with an elegance and ease. He’s a very good wildcard to have in the squad and could make a crucial contribution.” He added: “When he comes back to talk to the pupils he emphasises that with hard work and belief you can fulfil your dreams. He is the perfect role model.”
Eze’s foundation runs a training camp for youngsters at Crystal Palace and he has also organised careers events, including a trip to Burberry for pupils to talk to staff about fashion careers. Mr Duncan said: “That was an amazing day at Burberry and that sums up Eberechi. He thinks of others and wants to make a difference. He is more than a football player. It’s certainly not about the money for him.”
He added: “Myself and the school are so proud to have been part of his journey. We are praying he can help us win the Euros.”
