Overview

• Noni Madueke started twice for England over the break and scored in a 5-0 win over Serbia, drawing praise from head coach Thomas Tuchel for his pace, directness and work rate.
• Gary Neville, reversing earlier scepticism, said Madueke looks “one hell of a player” on the right and floated moving Bukayo Saka to the left, a notion Ian Wright rejected on air.
• With Saka nursing a hamstring issue, Madueke has taken the right‑wing role for club and country and is in line to feature against Nottingham Forest.
• Madueke’s personal coach said the winger is not at Arsenal to be a backup and lauded his professionalism, as chatter grows that his form could pressure Gabriel Martinelli’s place.
• The £52m summer signing initially faced fan backlash, including an online petition, but pundits such as Gabby Agbonlahor and Paul Merson now say performances have shifted perceptions.