England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway at the Miami Stadium has set up a World Cup semi-final against Argentina — but the win was overshadowed by a blistering attack on Noni Madueke from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who claimed the winger left Thomas Tuchel’s side playing “with one player less”.
The former Manchester United striker, on punditry duty for Fox Sports, did not hold back after Madueke struggled to make an impact on the right wing. “Every time he gets the ball so far he makes the wrong decision and he’s walking on the pitch,” Ibrahimovic said. “If I’m Thomas Tuchel, I change it because he’s done nothing in this first 45. Even the hydration break didn’t help him.”
“England set up World Cup semi-final with Argentina after extra-time win over Norway, but Noni Madueke faces fierce criticism.”
Gary Neville added his own analysis on the Stick to Football podcast. “I think he’s running too fast and doesn’t slow himself down,” the former Manchester United captain said. “He might be looking up too much, thinking he can pick someone out with a Beckham-style cross. I think he’s sprinting too fast to cross it well.”
Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal for England, but manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were “lucky” to progress. Bellingham’s response was blunt: “Whatever,” he said.
Now England face Argentina in the last four after Lionel Messi’s side beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in Kansas City. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 15 July at 19:00 BST.
Argentina fans have already reacted to the prospect of facing England. “Easy peasy!” they cheered, while Messi described England as a “powerhouse”. It will be the first time the world’s greatest ever player has faced the Three Lions in his two-decade international career.