Noni Madueke struggled to make an impact for England against Norway in the World Cup, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gary Neville both sharing their thoughts on the winger's performance
12:13, 12 Jul 2026Updated 12:15, 12 Jul 2026
Noni Madueke and Andreas Schjelderup
View Image
Noni Madueke came under fire for his performance against Norway(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Noni Madueke following his display against Norway, claiming England were essentially playing with 10 men. England went on to defeat Erling Haaland's Norway 2-1 to secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Madueke, however, found himself under the spotlight after failing to leave his mark on the right flank. Early in the contest, Elliot Anderson picked him out with a cross-field pass, but the winger could only send his delivery straight out of play.
He also endured a torrid time in one-on-one situations, repeatedly coming off second best against his full-back. At the interval, Ibrahimovic, who was on punditry duty for Fox Sports, pulled no punches in his verdict on the 24-year-old.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"They're playing with one player less so far. Madueke has been on the pitch," the former Manchester United striker said. "But I have to say every time he gets the ball so far he makes the wrong decision and he's walking on the pitch.
"If I'm Thomas Tuchel, I change it because he's done nothing in this first 45. Even the hydration break didn't help him."
Gary Neville also offered his thoughts on Madueke's showing on the Stick to Football podcast, shedding light on why the winger's final ball repeatedly let him down. "We had a coach at United called Jimmy Ryan, a really good technical coach," he stated.
"Usually when a player doesn't cross the ball well, it's because their stride isn't right, their pacing running up to the ball.
"I think he's running too fast and doesn't slow himself down - he might be looking up too much, thinking he can pick someone out with a Beckham-style cross. On the run, at full pace, you've only really got three options: whip it in low across goal, pull it back low, or stand it up to the back post.
"You've got to know which one you're choosing before you get there, concentrate on your stride, and make it like a pass. I think he's sprinting too fast to cross it well."
Neville then offered his perspective on what separates the world's finest wide players from the rest.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
"They say wingers are unpredictable, as if that's some kind of positive - but the best wingers are the most predictable players in the world," the former Manchester United captain added.
"Riyad Mahrez is going to cut back onto his left foot; [Mohamed] Salah is going to put it in the far corner; Thierry Henry's finish from the left; David Beckham will take it out of his feet and whip it in. You know exactly what they're going to do, and you still can't stop it.
"As a winger, you have to be a bit more predictable - you've got to have two or three things you do brilliantly."
Jude Bellingham was the hero as England mounted a comeback to defeat Norway 2-1, equalising after Andreas Schjelderup's opener before striking the decisive extra-time winner.
The Three Lions now know they will face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, after Lionel Messi's men edged past Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, having been level at 1-1 following 90 minutes.
The highly-anticipated semi-final showdown is set for Wednesday, July 15, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
Article continues below
Thousands of Arsenal fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
Seat Unique
Buy official packages at Seat Unique
Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.