England have made it into the last 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Three Lions went a goal down very early in the game, and they really struggled to break the opposition down. At one point, fans feared the worst.
However, skipper Harry Kane scored twice to win the game for England and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Stuart Pearce had a lot to say about the game, but one of his comments about Arsenal star Noni Madueke caught our eye.
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Stuart Pearce says Arsenal’s Noni Madueke ‘gave up’ during England vs Congo
Madueke has started three of England’s four games at the World Cup so far.
The Arsenal number 20 is getting opportunities on the right flank because Bukayo Saka is still struggling for full fitness.
Madueke has shown flashes of his brilliance on the ball, but the Englishman’s end product has once again let him down.
On Wednesday, Pearce liked what he saw from Madueke early on, but what he did in the second half seemed to really annoy him.
He said on talkSPORT: “I’ve got to say I was really disappointed with Noni Madueke.
“I was impressed by him in the first half. I thought he was outstanding at times. But in the second half, I think he took the easy option, got tired and gave up.”
Madueke was withdrawn after 61 minutes by Thomas Tuchel.
Noni Madueke is one trait away from being a genuine superstar
Madueke’s problem has always been the same.
The England international possesses electric pace, is a brilliant dribbler, has the ability to get past any defender and make himself a nuisance in the final third.
However, the Arsenal winger lacks the ability to consistently create chances and score goals, and that is his biggest issue as a forward.
Once he develops that side of his game, he will become a genuine superstar, but whether he will remains to be seen.
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