England got their World Cup campaign off to a thrilling start, beating Croatia 4-2 at the Dallas Stadium.
One Arsenal player stood out above almost everyone else.
Noni Madueke had been handed a golden opportunity to start in Bukayo Saka’s place, with England’s number seven still managing his fitness.
Madueke took it with both hands. His positive run to the byline created England’s first effort on goal for Harry Kane, a sign of things to come throughout an outstanding first half.
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His quickness beat Luka Modric to win the penalty from which Kane eventually gave England the lead, and his direct running caused problems for Josko Gvardiol throughout, putting serious strain on Croatia’s back three and an ageing Ivan Perisic at wing-back.
He also whipped in a fine low cross that Jude Bellingham almost latched on to.
Rio Ferdinand says Noni Madueke was England’s most dangerous threat in World Cup opener
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the performance on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents. “I thought Madueke — now listen, he’s had some criticism in his career. This guy is made of the right stuff. He’s resilient.” he said.
“He’s played today instead of Saka. And he was our most dangerous player in the first half in terms of getting the balls into dangerous areas and crosses and runs off the ball.”
England fans largely agreed, with many believing Madueke was the team’s best player alongside Kane during that opening 45 minutes.
His performance came after Madueke had played down talk of a rivalry with Saka, despite their direct competition for the same shirt for both club and country.
Madueke was replaced by Saka after 72 minutes, with the returning winger playing his part by setting up Rashford for England’s eventual fourth goal.
Saka’s cameo keeps him in Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts, but right now, the idea of Madueke as the starter and Saka as the finisher seems, counter-intuitively, absolutely fine.
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