Guéhi backs 'fantastic' Eze to shine at World Cup

Marc Guéhi expects Eberechi Eze to play a major role for England at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after seeing him successfully overcome adversity throughout his career.

The Arsenal midfielder missed a penalty in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month, having helped the Gunners win their first Premier League trophy in 22 years during his debut season.

And Guéhi, who played alongside Eze for four years at Crystal Palace, is confident his former club team-mate will put that disappointment behind him on the international stage this summer.

Speaking during a press conference alongside Thomas Tuchel in Florida on Tuesday, the Manchester City defender said: “Ebz is a fantastic player. I’ve seen it from day one, he’s someone that has overcome so many adversities.

“To be here is a fantastic achievement for himself, but I’ve seen his development at Palace. He’s a true gent, someone you love to be around and of course a fantastic player.”

The World Cup will be Eze’s second taste of a major tournament with the Three Lions after he was selected for UEFA EURO 2024, where he made three substitute appearances as England finished as runners-up.

The Arsenal playmaker and the rest of England’s Gunners contingent - Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke - joined up with the rest of the squad in Florida over the weekend, having been delayed due to the Champions League final and Premier League trophy parade.

Asked what he said to Eze on his arrival into camp, Guéhi added: “I just congratulated him on the Premier League.

“I didn’t really watch the Champions League final, I obviously heard about it, but it’s important to remind everyone of the good things that he’s done. It’s obviously nice for Arsenal fans to do that (support him).”

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