Noni Madueke is set to earn a call-up to England’s World Cup squad after helping Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 22 years.
The winger joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer and has already justified his transfer fee with silverware. He could add a second title to his cabinet later this month, too, as the Gunners face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
READ MORE: Standard Sport writers pick their England World Cup squads
Madueke himself has not played a starring role in the campaign, managing just seven goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. He did, however, struggle with injury for long stretches of the season, missing two months with a knee injury between September and November.
But his performances when fit been enough to catch Thomas Tuchel’s eye. Standard Sport understands Madueke is set to be named in England’s 26-man tournament squad when it is officially unveiled on Friday.
It will be Madueke’s first appearance at a major tournament. He has ten senior England caps to his name thus far in his career, notching a single goal in a 5-0 defeat of Serbia last September and adding a further three assists.
Speaking in March, Madueke told Standard Sport he felt capable of becoming a ‘difference-maker’ in Tuchel’s squad: “I definitely have confidence going into every game that if I play well that I can be a real threat for the opposition and be decisive as well.”
He will likely join Arsenal team-mates and England regulars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in the squad, but it remains to be seen whether creative playmaker Eberechi Eze will get the call.
While Madueke is expected to make the squad, Standard Sport has also learned of several high-profile snubs. Harry Maguire is perhaps the most surprising, with his Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw also set to be left off.
Chelsea pair Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill will make the side either, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton set to stay home too.
