Zlatan Ibrahimović Rips England’s Noni Madueke After ‘One Player Less’ World Cup Blunder

**July 13, 2026**: Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a scathing assessment of Noni Madueke’s World Cup quarter-final performance for England, declaring the winger “one player less” after a disastrous 45 minutes against Norway. His comments came as Thomas Tuchel’s side clawed back from 1-1 to win 2-1 in extra time, thanks to two Jude Bellingham goals, and booked a semi-final clash with Argentina.

England faced Norway in a tense World Cup quarter-final that ended 2-1 after extra time. Jude Bellingham scored both goals, cancelling out Andreas Schjelderup’s opener, while Erling Haaland’s side were eliminated. But the match became a focal point for criticism of Madueke, who struggled on the right wing.

Early in the game, Elliot Anderson’s cross-field pass found Madueke, but his delivery went straight out of play. He also failed repeatedly in one-on-one situations, unable to beat his full-back. By half-time, Ibrahimović, punditing for Fox Sports, had had enough.

“They’re playing with one player less so far,” Ibrahimović said. “Madueke has been on the pitch, but every time he gets the ball, he makes the wrong decision and he’s walking on the pitch. If I’m Thomas Tuchel, I change it because he’s done nothing in this first 45. Even the hydration break didn’t help him.”

The former Manchester United striker didn’t hold back, labeling Madueke’s performance as a liability. His comments mirrored those of Gary Neville, who analyzed the winger’s technical flaws on the *Stick to Football* podcast.

Neville, drawing on his experience as a winger at Manchester United, pointed to Madueke’s pacing as the root of his issues. “He’s running too fast and doesn’t slow himself down,” Neville said. “On the run, at full pace, you’ve only got three options: whip it in low, pull it back, or stand it up. You’ve got to know which one before you get there.”

The ex-captain contrasted Madueke’s struggles with the world’s best wingers-players like Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, and David Beckham-who, despite their unpredictability, execute a handful of moves with lethal precision. “The best wingers are the most predictable players,” Neville noted. “You know exactly what they’re going to do, and you still can’t stop it.”

With Norway eliminated, England now face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on **July 15, 2026**, at 8 PM. Lionel Messi’s side defeated Switzerland 3-1 in their quarter-final, setting up a potential rematch of the 2022 final.

While Madueke’s performance drew heavy criticism, England’s resilience under Tuchel saw them through. Bellingham’s double ensured progress, but the winger’s struggles will likely remain a talking point as the tournament intensifies.