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Saka and Madueke vie for England winger spot amid injuries

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 1:06 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Saka and Madueke vie for England winger spot amid injuries

Summary

Noni Madueke emerged as a standout performer in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia, winning a penalty scored by Harry Kane. His Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, expected to be the starting right winger for England, is currently dealing with an Achilles injury. The two players are competing for playing time at club and international levels, a situation Saka describes as 'unique.' Despite the competition, both players maintain a close friendship off the pitch. As the World Cup progresses, England manager Thomas Tuchel previously praised Madueke for his abilities and hinted at finding ways to include both players in the squad.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Madueke won a penalty in England's win over Croatia.
•Saka has an ongoing Achilles issue affecting his World Cup status.
•Both wingers compete for minutes at Arsenal and with England.
•Tuchel values Madueke's one-on-one skills for the national team.
•Saka refers to Madueke as a 'brother' despite their competition.

Latest Updates

1:06 PMYahoo Sports — Madueke and Saka's 'unusual' relationship

What they're saying

"
Noni Madueke was one of England's standout players in the 4-2 win over Croatia and won the penalty which Harry Kane scored to give the Three Lions the lead. Madueke's Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka had been expected to be England's starting right winger at the World Cup but the 24-year-old is dealing with an Achilles issue he has been carrying since March. Saka and Madueke find themselves in the unusual situation of competing for game time at both club and country.
— Yahoo Sports

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