Crystal Palace star shines for his country, made defenders ‘recklessly’ dive into challenges

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Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was the standout player for England’s Under-21s in last night’s victory over their Croatian counterparts.

The 22-year-old linked up with the Young Lions for the group stage of the European Under-21 championships, which took place at the end of March.

Eze came off the bench in England’s opening two games against Switzerland and Portugal, which they lost.

Aidy Boothroyd then named the Eagles ace in the starting XI in the game against Croatia, and he delivered a superb display.

Eze opened the scoring with a 12th-minute penalty and was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition’s defence.

90Min gave him a 9 out of 10 rating and wrote: “One of the coolest penalties you’re likely to see as he handed England the lead.

“The liveliest player on the pitch, constantly driving at the Croatian defenders and causing them to recklessly dive into challenges. Could have scored a hatful on another day.”

Sadly, although England won 2-1, they didn’t do enough to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition given their earlier defeats.

Eze will now return to Selhurst Park and prepare for Monday evening’s Premier League trip to Everton.