Noni Madueke: Stats show Thomas Tuchel why Arsenal man can't start in England semi-final

England forced their way through to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, but with no thanks to Arsenal winger Noni Madueke.

Thomas Tuchel's side required extra time to secure their spot in the next round, with two goals from Jude Bellingham enough on Saturday, 11 July.

The Norwegian's caused plenty of issues, even having a potential winner ruled out for a shove from Erling Haaland, but most of the key moments happened after Madueke was substituted.

Sadly for the 24-year-old, he lasted just 45 minutes at the Miami Stadium before Tuchel and his staff felt it was time to make a change.

With the Three Lions through to the semi-final, the head coach now has some huge decisions to make, especially when it comes to the right flank.

Tuchel left a number of exciting players at home, backing himself into a corner, but most fans will feel that the obvious decision is to bench Madueke.

Noni Madueke embarrasses at the Miami Stadium

The main positive will be that England got through to the semi-finals, but it was an extremely difficult watch, especially when Arsenal's No.20 was on the pitch.

Madueke being replaced by his club teammate at the half-time break said everything that needed to be said about his performance at the Miami Stadium.

In 45 minutes, he had 28 touches, and while he did complete 100 per cent of his passes, most of them were sideways and negative [FotMob].

He failed to create a single chance, completed just 33 per cent of his dribbles, successfully delivered 33 per cent of his crosses, and made one pass into the final third.

Add into that a 50 per cent success in ground duels, one foul committed, and being caught offside once, and it was an extremely disappointing game for the 24-year-old.

What did Alan Shearer have to say?

It is fair to say that Newcastle United's legendary striker was just as disappointed in the winger as the rest of the England fans.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Alan Shearer said: "We need more from the right-hand side. How many times have we seen the ball switched out there?

"Six? Seven? And we have seen very little from Madueke in terms of crosses into the box."

Bukayo Saka may not have been fully fit to start, but Madueke's performance has raised even more questions about Tuchel's pre-tournament decisions.

With Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and especially, Jarrod Bowen, all left at home, the head coach has a lot of questions to answer for.