‘I’ve spoken to Gareth’: 21-year-old attacker says he’ll get in the England team if Chelsea play him enough

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Noni Madueke has revealed that there is added motivation for him to succeed at Chelsea next season after speaking to Gareth Southgate.

The Chelsea No.31 shared the comments when speaking to the Evening Standard.

So, what did Noni Madueke say in full? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the England Under-21 international admitted that Southgate told him “the door is open” when it comes to receiving a call-up to the senior squad, on the basis that he plays regularly under Mauricio Pochettino.

Madueke said: “To win the tournament (UEFA European Under-21 Championship) has to be our target, and I think we can. If I play week in, week out next season, I will be in contention for a senior team call-up. I’ve spoken to Gareth and the door is open.”

That should be music to the ears of Chelsea fans, as it means Stamford Bridge should witness a fully motivated Madueke on a weekly basis throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

The 21-year-old is already fairly popular at Chelsea despite only arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January, with his exciting displays in the second half of the season offering a rare glimpse of positivity amongst plenty of gloom.

Madueke can thrive under Pochettino at Chelsea

In our view, there is no reason why Madueke cannot enjoy a Heung-min Son style development under Pochettino.

The Barnet-born attacker is more of a touchline hugger than he is someone who runs inside opposition full-backs to threaten the goal like Son, although he has shown signs of being able cause havoc when cutting inside.

Pochettino has done well coaching forwards wherever he has managed, with players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Son, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez all thriving under his guidance.

At the age of 21 – and with plenty of experience under his belt already – there is no reason why Madueke cannot kick on under the South American and make Southgate’s England squad.