Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a scathing assessment of Noni Madueke after England's World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway, claiming the Three Lions looked like they were "playing with one player less."
The Arsenal winger endured a difficult first half in Miami before Thomas Tuchel replaced him at the interval with Bukayo Saka, a decision that immediately paid off as England recovered to secure a 2-1 victory.
Ibrahimović blasts Madueke display
Working as a pundit for FOX Sports, Ibrahimović did not hold back when analysing Madueke's performance.
"They are playing with one player less so far," the former Sweden striker said during half-time.
"Madueke has been on the pitch, and I have to say every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision, and he's walking on the pitch."
"If I'm Tuchel, I change him; he's done nothing in these first 45. Even the hydration break didn't help. They played with one guy less."
The criticism came after a frustrating opening 45 minutes for the Arsenal winger.
Tough afternoon for England winger
Madueke struggled to make an impact throughout the first half.
The 24-year-old failed to create a single chance, completed just one successful dribble and managed only one pass into the final third.
He registered just 28 touches, with only three coming inside Norway's penalty area, while winning only two of his four ground duels.
His struggles prompted Tuchel to make an immediate change at half-time, introducing Bukayo Saka despite the Arsenal captain still managing an Achilles issue.
Tuchel reaches same conclusion
Although there is no suggestion Tuchel was influenced by Ibrahimović's comments, the England manager appeared equally frustrated before making the substitution.
Television cameras captured Tuchel speaking animatedly to Madueke shortly before Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup.
Former England captain Stuart Pearce noticed the exchange during the broadcast.
"He's in Madueke's ear quite ferociously," Pearce said.
"That's good management because I think our two wide players hold the key in this game."
Saka replaced Madueke at the break as England improved significantly after the interval to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Key points
- Zlatan Ibrahimović heavily criticised Noni Madueke's performance.
- The former striker claimed England were "playing with one player less."
- Madueke was substituted at half-time by Thomas Tuchel.
- Bukayo Saka replaced the Arsenal winger.
- Madueke failed to create a chance during the first half.
- England recovered to beat Norway 2-1 and reach the semi-finals.
What’s next?
England now turn their attention to the World Cup semi-finals, with Tuchel facing another selection decision on the right wing.
After Saka's positive impact from the bench, Madueke may find it difficult to regain his place unless he responds strongly in training before England's next fixture.
Was Thomas Tuchel right to substitute Noni Madueke at half-time?
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