Cody Gakpo responds to Noni Madueke’s whirlwind England message
Noni Madueke was one of few England players to come away from their 2-0 win over Andorra with improved credit in the bank.
The 23-year-old is ready to stake his 2026 World Cup claims this season after completing his £52million move from Chelsea to Arsenal in July, with less than 12 months to go until next summer’s tournament.
Madueke has started two of England’s last three matches under Thomas Tuchel and was one of four Arsenal players to start against Andorra at Villa Park, as Myles Lewis-Skelly failed to impress at left-back.
Lewis-Skelly, Madueke, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze formed the nucleus of Tuchel’s side in a dominant yet lacklustre England victory, and Madueke in particular made an impression in Bukayo Saka‘s absence.
Noni Madueke sends message after ‘mad’ England display
Tougher tests await the Three Lions as they face second-placed Serbia on Tuesday in their next qualifier, with Eze one of three players Tuchel has been tipped to drop after he failed to build on a strong first half.
Madueke, meanwhile, is becoming increasingly popular on the right flank after his “mad” display helped England to open Andorra up, as his 25th-minute cross saw Christian Garcia turn the ball into his own net.
Another Arsenal player in Rice was on hand to head home England’s clincher in the second half from a Reece James cross, and Madueke posted on Instagram on Sunday following his standout performance.
Madueke’s post included a snap-shot of him in whirlwind motion down the flanks and referenced the bible verse ‘Corinthians 15:58’, as his former PSV team-mate Cody Gakpo reacted with an ‘applause’ emoji.
Thomas Tuchel spoilt for choice on England’s right wing
Football Insider Verdict
Madueke’s Arsenal team-mate Saka is one of the first names on the England team sheet when fit and firing, but his absence through injury has given several contenders a chance to stake their own claims.
West Ham fans weren’t happy to see Jarrod Bowen left on the bench for the entirety of England’s win over Andorra as Madueke saw out the full 90 minutes, with Morgan Rogers another option on the right.
With Phil Foden and the injured Cole Palmer also waiting in the wings, Madueke will need to keep up his form to ensure he’s in contention for a place on the flanks for both Arsenal and England going forward.