Crystal Palace midfielder, Eberechi Eze, has been called up for the first time to England Euro 2024 squad, OduNews reports.
This could end the dream of many Nigerians who have been hoping for him to represent the Super Eagles at the senior international level.
Eze, who was born in Greenwich, South London to Nigerian parents is also eligible to play for Nigeria, but the England call-up may end that possibility.
“We’ve liked him for a long time,” said Southgate. “He was very unfortunate just before the Euros. We were going to call him into a prep camp and he got an injury.
“He has finished the season very strongly, he can play in a couple of positions across that front line. He has high quality and bursts of speed to go past players with those dribbling skills.”
England face Malta in Ta’ Qali on 16 June, before playing North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.
The Three Lions top the early Group C table after beating Italy and Ukraine in their opening two qualifying matches in March.
Explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave out Sterling, Southgate said: “He is not happy with his condition physically, carrying a hamstring problem. He wasn’t really in consideration.
“He doesn’t think he is operating at the level he needs.”
