Madueke
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Noni Madueke marked a significant milestone in his international career by scoring his first goal for England in their emphatic 5-0 victory over Serbia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
The Arsenal winger struck in the 35th minute to double England’s lead after Harry Kane had opened the scoring just two minutes earlier. Madueke latched onto a flick from Morgan Rogers, glided past two Serbian defenders, and lifted a delicate left-footed chip over goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The finish silenced the hostile home crowd and was hailed by pundits as one of the standout moments of Thomas Tuchel’s tenure as England manager.
Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi added further goals in the second half before Marcus Rashford converted from the penalty spot to seal a commanding win. The result extended England’s perfect record in Group K to five wins from five matches, leaving the Three Lions nine points clear at the top and virtually assured of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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For Madueke, the goal was not just about securing three points, it represented the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and prolific international career. His breakthrough inevitably drew comparisons with Phil Foden, who has struggled to translate his club form into consistent performances for the national team.
Noni Madueke scores 👏🏴
pic.twitter.com/QUDUPigTpQ
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) September 9, 2025
Foden, who made his senior debut in 2020, scored his first international goals in his fourth cap, netting twice against Iceland in a UEFA Nations League match. The Manchester City star now has four goals in 45 appearances for the Three Lions.
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Madueke, by contrast, required nine caps to open his account, but his strike suggests a promising trajectory if he can maintain consistency. At 23, he is slightly older than Foden was when he broke through but has already demonstrated a similar ability to combine flair, direct running, and composure in front of goal.
While Madueke has only just begun scoring for England, he could match Foden’s tally with three more goals. His emergence has also underlined Tuchel’s commitment to blending England’s experienced core with emerging talents.
Alongside Madueke, Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Elliot Anderson all featured prominently, highlighting the depth of attacking options now available to the national team.
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