Noni Madueke insists he is in no mood to “sulk” after Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat and is ready for the biggest fight of his career as he bids to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad. The 24-year-old winger suffered the heartbreak of losing at Wembley to Manchester City, but has quickly turned his focus to the international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Madueke is likely competing with club teammate Bukayo Saka and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen for one of the two wide spots in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for North America. He is set to get his audition against Uruguay on Friday, with Saka among the regulars only reporting for the Japan match. “It’s difficult, those type of games, but you take it in your stride, you can't sulk, you have to carry on,” Madueke said.
Despite the disappointment, Madueke is keeping his focus on the national team. “I don't really think too much about World Cup places. I just try to do my best whenever I’m on the pitch and everything will play out how it’s meant to,” he added. The winger acknowledged that representing England at a World Cup is an “amazing honour” and naturally crosses his mind.
Madueke has had a season of highs and lows at Arsenal, excelling in the autumn when Saka was injured, but seeing less game time recently. The two are great friends, and Madueke believes that team success comes first. “At the end of the day we want the team success first before ourselves. It's hard to achieve something great without that mindset,” he explained.
England manager Tuchel has been clear that he wants two players for each position, creating healthy competition. Madueke said: “It's great to know what you need to do, to know who you're competing against. The manager's made it very clear to all of us.” He added that training is always of a high level, regardless of the squad.
Signed by Arsenal for £50m to be a “difference maker” against low blocks, Madueke feels he has matured both as a player and a person this season. “I'm a little bit older now than when I first played for England,” he noted, and is determined to use his strengths to help both club and country.
