The 2023/24 Premier League season has finally come to a close and for Crystal Palace, it has been yet another bumpy ride.
The Eagles have seen it all, from relegation threats under Roy Hodgson to liquid football and goals galore with Oliver Glasner.
Since the Palace boss took his post in February, the turnaround in form has created plenty of memorable victories while displaying the threat the squad possesses.
That was evident once again at Selhurst Park on the final game of the season, where Crystal Palace put five goals past Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa.
A Jean-Philippe Mateta hat-trick was followed up by an Ebere Eze brace, ending the campaign on a high as the Eagles soared into the top half of the table on the final day.
With such a strong end to the season, there is naturally some excitement over how Palace could look in a full campaign under Glasner.
However, for now, there will be an emphasis on the summer, which includes transfers and the European Championships.
The international competition is just around the corner and one Crystal Palace star may have a clear claim to be part of Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Ebere Eze England Euros call-up
England boss Southgate must call up Eze if the Three Lions want to win the Euros this summer, according to his Palace teammate Mateta.
The 25-year-old has made two appearances for the England senior team, making his debut against Malta in 2023.
With 15 goal contributions in 27 Premier League appearances this season, Eze may have a good claim to be in the squad, which was expanded from 23 players to 26 in recent weeks.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his chances of making the England team, Eze said: “I’m just here man, trying to enjoy playing football.
“If I get called then so be it, but-“
The winger was then interrupted by his teammate Mateta, who added: “Hopefully, hopefully [Eze receives a call-up].
“He [Southgate] has to call him, they have to if they want to win something.”
Ebere Eze’s Crystal Palace stats
The 2023/24 season represents Eze’s best goal return at Premier League level, despite playing fewer games than two of his previous three campaigns.
The final-day brace saw the winger’s tally leap to 11, which beat last season’s ten goals but with 11 fewer games played this time around – 38 games played last season to 27 this season.
It shows continual growth and progression from the forward, who is yet another shining example of Crystal Palace’s ability to pluck players from the division below and develop them into stars.
Only six English forwards have outscored Eze this season, though injury has naturally impacted his game time.
With a goals per 90 rate of 0.48, the Crystal Palace star is on par with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen and Dominic Solanke in output.
As the squad announcement nears, Eze certainly has a claim to stake in the England squad, though it remains to be seen if he will get his moment to shine at the Euros.
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