In a week marred by controversy and fan misbehavior, England’s young lions provided a much-needed bright spot in their 3-0 Nations League victory over Greece in Athens. Among the standout performers was 22-year-old Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who seized his chance on his first start for the Three Lions with a confident, impactful display.
Madueke’s rise to prominence has been a story of determination and self-belief. The Londoner made the bold decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur’s academy at the age of 16 to join Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, seeking a clearer path to first-team football. His gamble paid off, as he quickly established himself as a regular starter in the Eredivisie before earning a £30 million move to Chelsea in January 2023.
Making an Impact at Chelsea
While Madueke’s early days at Stamford Bridge were not without their challenges – he was reprimanded by then-manager Mauricio Pochettino for partying while injured and clashed with teammates over penalty-taking duties – he has begun to find his feet under new boss Enzo Maresca. The winger started 10 of Chelsea’s final 11 Premier League matches last season and has been a regular in the lineup this term.
Madueke’s growing influence at club level has not gone unnoticed by England manager Lee Carsley, who handed him his senior international debut in March 2024. The youngster has now earned four caps, all under Carsley, and his starting role against Greece represented a significant show of faith from the England boss.
A Fearless Full Debut
Madueke rewarded that faith with a dynamic performance in Athens, providing the spark England needed to break down a stubborn Greek defense. His sharp movement, explosive pace, and direct dribbling caused problems from the outset, and it was his run and cross that set up Ollie Watkins for the opening goal after just seven minutes.
I have got a lot of belief in my ability. Even if it is not going so great, I still believe I can impact games. That is what I tried to do against Greece and thankfully it worked.
– Noni Madueke
Throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch, Madueke displayed a fearlessness that belied his inexperience at this level. He seemed unfazed by the pressure of the occasion or the hostile atmosphere created by the home fans, instead relishing the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage.
Competition for Saka?
Madueke’s emergence as a potential option on the right wing for England is particularly intriguing given the presence of Bukayo Saka, who has made that position his own in recent years. Saka, still only 22 himself, is one of the first names on the teamsheet for both Arsenal and England, but Madueke’s performance in Greece suggested he could provide genuine competition for the role.
While Madueke was quick to play down any talk of rivalry with Saka, insisting he sees the Arsenal man as a teammate to learn from rather than someone to displace, his ambition is clear. With the European Championships just a year away and a new manager set to take charge in Thomas Tuchel, Madueke will be determined to stake his claim for a place in the squad.
Of course, the Euros are a kid’s dream. It is one of those things that nearer to the time, I will start preparing for and try and make sure I am on that list.
– Noni Madueke on his England ambitions
The Road Ahead
For now, Madueke’s focus will be on finishing the season strongly with Chelsea and cementing his place in the England setup. The Three Lions face Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday, knowing a victory will secure their place in the Nations League Finals, and Madueke will hope to play a part once more.
Beyond that, the challenge for Madueke will be to maintain his current trajectory and continue to develop his game. His talent is undeniable, but he must add consistency and end product to become a truly elite winger. If he can do that, and steer clear of any further off-field controversies, then Noni Madueke may just become England’s next breakout star.
