Madueke's remarkable season: from petition to World Cup starter

When Noni Madueke was named in England's starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Croatia, it marked the latest milestone in what has been a dramatic season for the Arsenal winger. Last summer, Madueke completed a move to the Gunners from Chelsea for approximately £50 million, but the transfer was met with skepticism from some supporters who started a petition against the signing, using the hashtag #NoToMadueke across social media platforms.

From controversy to Premier League glory

Just under 12 months later, the 24-year-old has become a Premier League winner, having helped Mikel Arteta's side secure their first league title in 22 years. He is now starting for Thomas Tuchel's England on the right wing. Madueke was one of England's standout players in the 4-2 win over Croatia, winning the penalty that Harry Kane converted to give the Three Lions the lead.

Madueke's Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka had been expected to be England's starting right winger at the World Cup, but the 24-year-old is dealing with an Achilles issue he has been carrying since March. Saka and Madueke find themselves in the unusual situation of competing for game time at both club and country. Saka, who made his 50th appearance for England in the victory over Croatia, called the situation "unique," adding, "I don't really know how it works, but it works" when describing his relationship with Madueke.

Tuchel's praise and tactical fit

When Tuchel named his England squad for the World Cup, the German manager was full of praise for Madueke. The forward has put in consistently good performances for the Three Lions since Tuchel took charge, and the manager said Madueke can be a "difference-maker," highlighting his "one-on-one ability."

Tuchel has made it clear he wants his England team to play in a style that replicates the physicality of the Premier League. That thinking shaped his squad selection, with the 52-year-old picking players who are physically robust and powerful runners. Tuchel has built his gameplan around record goalscorer and captain Kane, with the Bayern Munich forward surrounded by wingers who like to run behind the defence to leave space for him to drop deep.

That approach worked well, with Madueke's four passes to Kane against Croatia being the joint most in the England team, matched by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Anthony Gordon started on the opposite flank, and their energetic performances on the wings were one of the positives of the match for Tuchel's side. Kane, known for his passing range, attempted several passes to release Madueke behind the Croatia defence. Madueke had five touches in the opposition box, completed his only dribble of the game, and won the penalty that set England on their way.

How Madueke and Saka can play together

Despite fighting for game time, Madueke and Saka are close off the pitch, with Saka calling his teammate his "brother." Arsenal boss Arteta found ways to get both wingers on the pitch at the same time in the 2025-26 season, which may be something Tuchel opts to do as the World Cup progresses. Madueke was utilized on the left wing by Arteta, while Saka also featured in the number 10 role as the Gunners lifted the title.

Madueke made 43 appearances last season, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in all competitions, as Arsenal ended their trophy drought. However, he only started 16 times in the league, with competition from Saka and a knee injury limiting his starts. He provided a bright spark for Arsenal in the Champions League final when replacing Saka from the bench in their loss to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties last month. He may have a similar role for his country if England progress to the latter stages of the World Cup.