Arsenal winger Noni Madueke eyes England World Cup spot under Thomas Tuchel
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is determined to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad before returning to north London for a crucial Premier League title push.
The 24-year-old has established himself as the primary understudy to club-mate Bukayo Saka on the right flank, moving ahead of West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen in the national team pecking order.
He is expected to earn his 10th senior international cap when the Three Lions host Uruguay in a Wembley friendly on Friday.
Embracing the international challenge
The former Chelsea attacker has featured prominently during Tuchel’s opening 15 months in charge of the national team.
He opened his senior international account during a comprehensive 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Serbia in September.
Following that milestone, the German tactician praised the forward’s growing influence but challenged him to increase his goalscoring output.
“I think it’s great, that challenge that he’s set for me,” Madueke explained.
“It shows his belief in me and I’m grateful for that.”
“I definitely have confidence going into every game that if I play well that I can be a real threat for the opposition and be decisive as well.”
Shifting focus from Wembley to domestic glory
On the domestic front, the dynamic winger recently endured Carabao Cup final heartbreak following a narrow defeat to Manchester City.
That Wembley showpiece is widely viewed as a precursor to the intensifying Premier League title battle between Mikel Arteta’s side and the reigning champions.
“My focus now is on England. Of course it’s difficult, those types of games, but you take it in your stride,” he added.
“You can’t sulk, you have to carry on.”
“We’ve got important games for England coming up, which I’m fully focused on to try and do my best, and when we get back to club, it will be the final push to try and finish where we want to.”
Comparing elite managerial approaches
The versatile forward also highlighted the tactical and cultural similarities between his national team boss and his club manager.
“First and foremost, they’re both incredible managers, managers of the highest level,” he noted.
“With managers like that, they ask you to put the team first and to be focused on your role and how you’re going to help the team.”
