‘YOU’D BE MADD NOT TO PICK EZE’

IN a break from the norm with Premier League managers, Roy Hodgson called for a player returning from injury to be IN the England squad.

Eberechi Eze marked his first start since September by winning and scoring a penalty in a performance that dazzled not only his gaffer but opponents Everton as well.

Hodgson (above) made it clear that Eze’s omission from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s squad had not been at his request.

In fact, he is hoping James Maddison’s injury may open the door to a late call-up for the Crystal Palace No.10.

He said: “I think the England people are quite within their rights and justified in thinking that he is obviously not fully fit.

“But I am rather hoping, having seen him play this full 90 minutes, if they are looking for a player to bring back into their squad in place of the injured James Maddison, then maybe Eze will be an alternative.”

James Tarkowski joked he would have preferred it if Eze had delayed his return until after the international break, as he purred about the Eagles star’s performance.

The Everton defender said of the 25-year-old: “I thought Eze was excellent. We couldn’t get hold of him, especially in that first half.

“The way he moves, he is so smooth. He just glides across the pitch.

“He is so hard to tackle. He is always in control of the ball but he always has his head up and he can find passes. He is a terrific player.

“It is nice to see him back playing, though I would have rather he waited a couple of more weeks to make his comeback.”