Since Tuchel took over as manager,he has slowly turned into player who actually changes mood of match when ball reaches him .
Tuchel calling him a "difference-maker" does not feel like usual manager praise only . His one-on-one game is creating real problems for defenders,and against strong opponents like Croatia,that kind of direct winger can expose weakness very fast.
And England also look like team built more around Premier League type physicality now . More speed,more running,more pressure,more players who can handle hard duels . Under Tuchel,this choice is clearly shaping squad selection.
Madueke’s role on wing is especially interesting because Kane benefits a lot from that kind of movement . When wingers keep stretching game,Kane gets better spaces and better service,and against Croatia,Madueke’s four assists to Kane stood out properly.
Few things standing out from his recent England run:
- Madueke and Gordon gave England energetic wing play from both flanks .
- Madueke recorded five touches in opposition box and won a penalty that set tone for match .
- Even with competition for starting spots,Madueke and Saka share close bond,with Saka calling him his "brother".
And tbh,this Saka angle makes things more interesting . Because yes,there is competition,but it does not look like bitter rivalry . It feels more like two players pushing each other while still having that respect.
Madueke has also not had easiest path at club level . Limited league starts because of competition and injury could have slowed him down,but he still played part in Arsenal’s recent success,contributing to their title win with eight goals and four assists across 43 appearances.
His experience in big pressure matches,including Champions League final,also matters here . International football can feel heavy ah,and players who already know that pressure usually look calmer when stage becomes bigger.
Now England are preparing for next match against Ghana,and with Saka recovering from injury,this is clearly Madueke’s chance to show he is not just backup option . But if he keeps performing like this,then what happens when everyone is fit again…
