England midfielder Eberechi Eze insists the goalless draw against Ghana has not altered Group L’s dynamic, despite Thomas Tuchel’s side failing to break down a resolute defence in Boston.
The stalemate marked the fourth consecutive tournament that England have drawn their second game.
Advertisement
The point all but secured last 32 qualification, with top spot against Panama on Saturday dependent on bettering Ghana’s result against Croatia.
Asked if the Boston outcome had changed anything, Eze stated: “No, we set out to win anyway, so it changes nothing for us, the mentality is still the same, so we’re focusing on doing what we need to win. I think that’s the main thing.
“It’s a long journey, you can’t be too high, you can’t be too low, you’ve got to be trusting what you’re doing in the present moment. So, we’re trying to do that, we’re trying to enjoy it as much as we can, and being confident of what’s to come.”
Eze also dismissed suggestions that England are overly reliant on captain Harry Kane for goals. Kane, who bagged a brace in last week’s opener against Croatia, hardly featured against Ghana, notably skying a late chance he would normally convert.
Advertisement
Eze explained: “I think it makes it look like that, because he scores so many goals, and he’s that effective. But we’ve got so much talent, so much creativity, and options to score. But, of course, it helps having someone as incredible as him, and we won’t look too much past that.”
The squad returned to their Kansas City base on Tuesday night, with attention now firmly fixed on Saturday’s crucial Panama match in New Jersey. Eze expressed his anticipation for returning to the team’s ‘bubble’, aiming to shield themselves from external commentary surrounding the Ghana result.
He added: “It’s good being around, full of professionals, and enjoying time together. Blocking out a lot of the noise, and we know there’s a lot going on around us, but we’re very focused on what’s going on inside, and we’re enjoying that little bubble that we’re in.
“It’s important to look after that and to hold on to that, because, as I said, there’s a lot of media, a lot of conversations about us and what’s going on, but as long as we can stay tight, that’s all that matters really.”
With their focus now squarely on the upcoming fixture, England will be keen to secure their position and advance deeper into the tournament.
Read the full article here