Eberechi Eze prepared to step up in penalty shootout despite missed chance in Champions League final

Eberechi Eze says he would gladly take a penalty in a shoot-out during this World Cup, and just sees the miss in Arsenal's Champions League final as "part of the journey" to improve.The playmaker missed his side's second penalty in the eventual 4-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, rolling the ball wide after a delayed run-up. Eze says he won't necessarily re-assess technique, but will use it.

The 27-year-old instead pointed to how the 2025-26 campaign was a huge positive, especially with how winning the title gives you more resolve."If called upon, for sure," Eze said when asked about taking a penalty. "Why wouldn’t I take it?

open image in galleryEze missed his penalty in the Champions League final (Getty)"Football is full of everything and you have to try to accept everything as it is, to enjoy it as much as you can. Playing in a Champions League final is where I want to be, it’s what I want to do. We’ll go for it again next season and if there is a penalty to take then I’ll be there again.

All the big players have missed big penalties, have experienced these types of moments. “I’ve had messages from everyone to speak on those moments. For me it’s not something I wish never happened.

I’m grateful it happened. I’m going to grow from it, learn from it and move forward."Asked whether that would involve changing his technique, Eze said:"No, I think I have taken penalties for a long time and it’s part of the journey.

You have to continue to improve, find new ways to improve. I’m not going to stress too much about it because I know I’m in this position for a reason and all the training behind it."RecommendedPortugal to carry Diogo Jota’s memory into World Cup as they embrace tournament pressureHow will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?

Tornado hits Kansas City hours after England arrive at World Cup base with players told to shelterEze was visibly happy to be training in the sun of Kansas City, although this was four hours before a tornado watch that evolved into people in England's area being advised to take shelter as a tornado did eventually develop within 15km. The players will be speaking about that after training late on Sunday UK time, but Eze otherwise reflected on how good the season had been for him. He was especially happy to talk about the title parade, saying the campaign can benefit him "loads" and that he has grown "massively"."

It was crazy. A beautiful experience to have had that with my friends and family. It’ll live with me forever.

"Every year you’re one more year experienced and got different things under your belt that are important for the next stage. Winning gives you belief, a trust in yourself that you can go all the way. We’ll all be using that for sure.

open image in galleryEze has impressed in training at England's base in Kansas (Reuters)"It’s been a season of ups and downs, so many different things I’ve had to overcome but an enjoyable one and something I want to experience every single year. I want to continue to improve, get better and grow.“It’s where you want to be and experiencing them is only going to turn you into a bigger player and bigger person.

You can always fall back on it."Eze also laughed that he was wearing his own boots, after some England kit and equipment had been stolen on arriving in Kansas. Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments