By law, you cannot work with an expired EAD.

But it depends WHO you work for.

If that company uses E-verify. They will ask for your new unexpired EAD.
So it boils down to HR. If they are doing their job properly, yes they will ask for your new one.

Those 3 persons you talked to don't know a damn thing about EAD cards.

You need the physical card to be able to work legally (unexpired)