Noni Madueke has revealed that his ultra-competitive nature, which extends to basketball shootouts in the team hotel, is a key factor behind England's World Cup ambitions. The Arsenal winger, speaking ahead of Wednesday's knockout clash against DR Congo in Atlanta, insisted that this mindset has carried him to the global stage and will help England go all the way this summer.
Competitive Edge in Every Arena
Madueke, who joined Arsenal for £52 million last year, admitted that even casual basketball games among teammates become fierce contests. "It's every man for themselves when we do those shooting competitions," he said. "And, um, I win all the time!" He emphasized that such confidence is essential: "You have to have that excessive confidence in your ability because at the end of the day, alongside your teammates, on that pitch it is down to you to deliver."
The 23-year-old stressed the importance of balance, noting that while the squad enjoys downtime with games like basketball and 'Wolf', they also prioritize recovery. "We're very competitive naturally. So we're always playing games... But I've not been out in Kansas City at all. It's too hot! Inside is like air conditioning and so we just stay inside, focus on the next session."
From Atlanta to the World Cup
Twelve months ago, Madueke played for Chelsea against LAFC in the Club World Cup at the same Atlanta stadium where England will face DR Congo. Reflecting on the searing heat, he dismissed concerns about the roof being open or closed: "It makes no difference... It'll be about 19, 20 degrees, so perfect. Pitch is good." He added that the long season has been nothing unusual: "All the seasons of my career have been long... Winning the league with Arsenal was great, and then being able to play for my country at a World Cup is the pinnacle."
Tactical Challenges and Penalty Preparedness
England have struggled against teams employing low defensive blocks, a challenge Madueke expects to face again. "It's not easy to break down. We've seen other top nations struggle as well—Spain, Portugal in the last game," he said. "Of course, when you play England, you're going to have a defensive approach because of the quality in our team. From our perspective, we have the same patterns and we'll try to implement them a little bit better than we did in the last game."
With knockout football looming, Thomas Tuchel has ramped up penalty practice, warning players they may face two shootouts to reach the final. Madueke, who experienced shootout heartbreak with Arsenal in the Champions League final, is ready. "All phases of play were taken extremely seriously. As you go into knockout football, something that becomes more prominent in the games," he said. "I'd volunteer, for sure. I am always open to take a penalty. At the end of the day, it comes down to the coach's decision. But if that's what he wants... I'm always ready."
Winning Mentality from Arsenal
Madueke credits Arsenal's Premier League title win—their first in 22 years—for fueling his confidence at the World Cup. "That winning feeling lingers. It's great to take that into a tournament as big and prominent as the World Cup, and it definitely feeds your confidence," he said. As England prepare for the knockout stages, Madueke's blend of self-belief and preparation could prove pivotal in their quest for glory.
