Arsenal star Noni Madueke made the headlines during England’s 3-0 win against Costa Rica.
The Three Lions are busy preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and in their final public friendly, they produced an impressive performance.
Goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins sealed the win for Thomas Tuchel’s side, but all anyone can talk about is what Madueke did.
The Arsenal winger has now had his say.
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Noni Madueke reacts to his open-goal miss during England vs Costa Rica
Noni Madueke started on the right wing for England in their friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday night.
The Englishman looked sharp, pressed really well, troubled the opposition full-back and was a big threat for as long as he was on the pitch.
However, Madueke’s biggest moment came in the first half, when he was put through on goal.
The Premier League champion got on the end of the ball well, rounded the keeper perfectly, and just when it looked like he would score, his shot struck the post.
Madueke was quizzed about that after the game, and he admitted that he should’ve found the net. However, he has vowed that he will convert such a chance when the World Cup begins.
He told ITV: “I should have scored one. We definitely had a few chances, Morgz (Morgan Rogers) I think. But it will come. Better to miss them now than when the tournament starts.
“I should’ve probably gone with my right foot. Obviously, it was happening quick. I should’ve scored it, but when the tournament comes, I will score them.”
Noni Madueke showed why Thomas Tuchel rates him very highly
Many people disagreed with Tuchel’s decision to pick Madueke in the England squad for the World Cup.
The criticism was that he is not as good a player as Phil Foden or Cole Palmer are, and one of those two should’ve got on the plane.
However, Madueke is far more direct and explosive, and he has the ability to cause opposition full-backs all sorts of problems in one-v-one situations.
The Englishman did exactly that against Costa Rica, and even though he missed a sitter, we’re sure Tuchel would’ve been pleased with his display.
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