England winger Noni Madueke insists he is not trying to claim Christian Garcia’s own goal.
Madueke started for England in their World Cup 2026 qualifier against Andorra on Saturday and played a significant role in breaking the deadlock midway through the first half at Villa Park.
The winger sent in a teasing cross from the right which was intended for Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
However, Andorra central defender Christian Garcia managed to lean forward to loop a header into his own net with the England players then running over to celebrate with Madueke.
Replays showed the Arsenal winger, still in search of his first senior England goal, seemingly attempting to claim the goal as his even though it was credited as an Garcia own goal.
Speaking to ITV after the game, Madueke cleared up the situation when told that there was no chance of the goal being credited to him.
He said: "No, I don't want to claim that one. It's fine, I'm not bothered about it.
"The team won so I'm happy."
The deadlock is broken! ✅
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 6, 2025
Noni Madueke's cross is inadvertedly turned in by Christian García and England lead 🏴 pic.twitter.com/vsyexLKJ1s
Madueke, along with debutant Elliot Anderson, were bright sparks in an otherwise laboured performance from Thomas Tuchel’s side who ran out 2-0 winners thanks to Declan Rice’s second half header.
Although in defence of the display, Madueke was adamant that the result was all that matters.
“First and foremost, it is good to get the win and a clean sheet. Of course, we knew what type of game it wad going to be,” he added.
"Sometimes it was frustrating. It is about getting the goals. The team won, so I am happy.
"He [Thomas Tuchel] wants us to be direct. That was a great example of it [England's second goal]. Reece [James] top quality, and it was a great cross and a great finish from Dec [Rice].
