노니 마두에케, 부카요 사카와의 '라이벌 관계'에 대해 언급하며 '냉혹한' 요구를 하고 잉글랜드와 아스널의 공통점을 설명했다

Noni Madueke believes there are similarities between the culture in England’s World Cup camp and Arsenal’s title-winning squad.

The Three Lions winger is settled in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America fresh from lifting the Premier League in his debut season in north London.

Madueke has hailed the atmosphere in England’s camp ahead of the World CupGetty

It marks his first major international tournament having made his debut in September 2024 under interim boss Lee Carsley.

He has scored once in 11 caps ahead of England’s opening match against Croatia on Wednesday.

The clash kicks off at 9pm, live on talkSPORT, at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

England atmosphere

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT’s Faye White, Madueke waxed lyrical about the culture in the camp, saying: “I think we built something really special, especially in the first camp in September.

“And then obviously I was watching from home, October and November, injured. I could see the spirit even on the pitch.

“I feel like we definitely built something that is lasting and we’re going to use that for this tournament.

“I feel like the focal point with us at Arsenal this season was selflessness and being together. Chipping in and all working hard and pulling in the same direction.

“There’s elements of that in this team as well. I feel like in these types of tournaments you need that selfless approach. It doesn’t matter who’s in the limelight, who’s shining as long as we all win.

“That’s definitely how we approach things at Arsenal in the season. I think that’s a fantastic way to approach this tournament as well for us as a team.

Tuchel has created a culture similar to Arsenal’s ahead of the tournament, says MaduekeGetty

“We have such an amazing team where everybody knows how good they are. It’s not that you’re going to be on the bench and you’re rubbish.

“It might be that opponent, that team suits one player better or someone’s in form. If you look at the last game, how the subs came on and won the game for us so easily. That’s the strength and depth we have and it’s going to be crucial for this tournament.”

Saka ‘rivalry’

Similarly to the Gunners, England can call upon Madueke and Bukayo Saka on the right wing this summer.

The pair battled for the role in Mikel Arteta’s side last season following Madueke’s summer move from Chelsea.

As a result, they featured together just 11 times in all competitions.

However, Madueke is in line to start against Croatia with Saka’s fitness hampered by an Achilles injury which disrupted his campaign.

Madueke and Saka will once again battle for a starting spot on the right this summerGetty

Highlighting the Arsenal teammates’ relationship, he added: “Everyone talks about rivalry and stuff but if you see us you would think that of course we’re competitors at heart for sure.

“We play in the same position for club and country. There’s that natural competition but it’s not rivalry for sure.

“We know we’re pulling in the same direction. We know we both have parts to play for club and for country.

“Whenever he’s playing I want him to do the best he can because he’s an amazing player and he’s going to help us win. I’m sure he thinks the same.”

Goal target

Madueke is also keen to add more goals to his game in the future having scored eight goals in 43 appearances across all competitions as well as adding four assists since joining Arsenal last summer.

The forward admitted: “I want to be more ruthless. I feel like to go to that level where I’m one of the best wingers in the world. I need to score more, I need to assist more.

Madueke is looking to add more goals to his game after scoring just once for EnglandGetty

“Besides that, I feel like I do so much for the team. As a winger, you want to score as much as possible. If I could score every game, I would.”

As for becoming one of the best wingers in the world, Madueke added: “The level I’m at now, that’s the next step to go to. I’ll definitely get to that.”

To date, his only England goal came in a 5-0 win over Serbia in September.