England struggled for large parts on Wednesday evening as the Three Lions stumbled past DR Congo, and a former Chelsea player was one of England’s worst players on the night.
Thomas Tuchel’s side came into the game without fully convincing fans, but having secured seven points from a possible nine in the group stages and keeping two clean sheets. They faced DR Congo next.
With Bukayo Saka’s fitness still an issue, Noni Madueke started for Tuchel’s side on the right side of the attack. But it was DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga who opened the scoring, and in truth, they deserved it.
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England looked toothless in attack and were rather lucky not to go into the break 2-0 down when Yoann Wissa hit the post. Until Harry Kane’s equaliser on 76 minutes, England lacked quality in the final third.
Eventually, the magic of Kane got England back in front, scoring his first with under 15 to go and then slamming home a second late on. He equalled Gary Lineker’s record of six World Cup knockout goals.
Noni Madueke poor as Chelsea deal gets better and better
When Arsenal decided to pay £50m for Madueke 12 months ago, it felt like Chelsea were losing a top player with plenty of potential. But for that fee, the majority of Blues fans were happy with the deal.
After winning the Premier League, Madueke will feel he made the right decision. But his own form was hardly groundbreaking, having a hand in 12 goals. Roy Keane highlighted it, his end product is poor.
He won a place in England’s World Cup squad. Against Costa Rica he missed an open goal, against Croatia he was wasteful despite many chances to get a goal or an assist, and yet he started tonight.
Every time Madueke received the ball in a crossing area, quality was lacking. The Arsenal man was regularly in good positions but failed to deliver the quality that is required in World Cup matches.
Noni Madueke’s frustrating stats for England in 2-1 win
The stats prove it. Madueke completed 24 of 26 passes, unwilling to take a chance which was a source of frustration for fans. Both of his shots were off target and after 61 minutes, he had an XG of 0.06.
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He was out of position for DR Congo’s goal as Djed Spence went inside to cover, and he lost four duels. This was a performance that will have Tuchel wishing Saka was fit enough to start, not come on.
It feels harsh, but Madueke is a £50m player, ultimately given the fee Arsenal paid for his services. But on today’s showing, his numbers at Arsenal and his previous England displays – he hasn’t shown that.
As every game goes by in an England shirt, BlueCo’s decision to cash in on Madueke for £50m is proving to be a better and better decision. Right now, judging by that display, no-one is paying £50m for him.
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