England Told They ‘Can’t Expect to Win World Cup’ With ‘Awful’ Star Despite Win v Norway
He joined in April 2024, having previously worked at VAVEL as Deputy Editor-in-Chief, where he produced a variety of content, including pieces from press conferences and games. He also won an award for his role as lead editor for the Women’s Football section of the online newspaper.
Covering football all across Europe, he has worked at stadiums such as Anfield, Old Trafford, and Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, as well as having reported at both the 2023 men’s and women’s Champions League finals in Eindhoven and Istanbul.
He is infatuated with every aspect of football, but likes other sports as well, being an avid coffee-desperate Buffalo Bills supporter from across the pond and a darts’ newbie.
Despite their 2-1 win over Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night, England supporters have singled out one player as reason to believe the Three Lions are being held back in their pursuit of bringing football home for the first time in 60 years this summer.
The Vikings took a freak lead in a hot and humid Miami, with Andreas Schjelderup’s mishit cross crashing off the upright of the post and into the back of Jordan Pickford’s net. Jude Bellingham levelled things before halftime for his fifth goal of the tournament, but his race wasn’t quite ran just yet.
Indeed, his nation’s hero on so many occasions, the Real Madrid midfielder scored again in extra-time, reacting quickest to a rebound to slide the ball across the goalline. Blushes were spared, but not all is forgiven by supporters just yet, as England were made to work too hard for their liking yet again.
England Fans Single Out Player That Has Held Tuchel Back This Summer
Thomas Tuchel and Noni Madueke Paul Childs via Reuters
When it’s considered that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were among the biggest ommissions from Thomas Tuchel’s final 26-man squad, there was always going to be much greater scrutiny on players like Noni Madueke. Unfortunately, he hasn’t survived the tournament without that turning to intense criticism after he was hooked off at the break.
“Madueke is shocking, how’s he starting?” One X user questioned, as another added: “You can’t start [Anthony] Gordon and [Noni] Madueke and then wonder why we can’t attack.” A third wrote: “I’m sorry but how did Madueke make this squad he’s awful,” a fourth continued: “This obsession with Madueke will cost them,” and a fifth remarked:
“[You] can’t expect to win the World Cup with [Noni] Madueke as your starting right winger.”
Another took to social media, trying to push Piers Morgan’s buttons: “@piersmorgan, your mate Madueke, shocking beyond all words….” Meanwhile, a seventh wrote: “Madueke is not good enough at this level. Been poor every time he’s played in this World Cup,” as an eighth concluded: “Madueke is a terrible, terrible player. What a disgrace.”
England Keep on Keeping on as World Cup Glory Moves Closer
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates after the match vs DR Congo REUTERS/Paul Childs
England have now reached four World Cup semi-finals. In 1966, they won their sole crown – but in 1990 and 2018, they failed to make the final. They are yet to appear to have moved out of second gear this summer, but have the hallmarks of champions with their ability to squeeze through matches and progress.
The playing style, at times, might not feel electric, nor does it feel authoritative. If anything, it feels lucky. But while Gareth Southgate squads did the same thing, the Three Lions now find themselves working under a manager who has a track record of getting his teams over the line and winning trophies.
It’s wins like ones against Mexico and Norway that build a team, and that’s the next step of England’s evolution under their German helmsman. They can’t keep relying on Harry Kane and Bellingham to get by, and that’s especially the case when they could meet Argentina in the semi-finals.
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