Noni Madueke Faces Criticism After Miss in World Cup Match

Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins made sure the scoreline looked emphatic by full time, but the talking point belonged to Noni Madueke – and not in the way any winger wants.

The game drifted into comfort, the result never really in doubt once the second-half goals went in. Yet as the final whistle blew, social media had already picked its target. Madueke’s glaring first-half miss, and his relaxed reaction to it, lit up timelines far more than any of the goals that followed.

On X, the criticism came in sharp and unforgiving.

“Hopefully that’s the last we see of him this World Cup. Does ANYONE think he should be there?” wrote @cooksbits, capturing a mood that quickly gathered pace.

The tone hardened.

“Laughing and smiling about it send him back and get foden here such a washed player,” added @marklamb2002, unimpressed by the winger’s body language after the chance went begging.

Another user, @click00001, went straight for his place in the squad.

“The only reason why he’s in that squad is because he’s part of a premier league winning team. He contributed about 1 goal and 2 assists btw. I’d take out of form Palmer or Bowen over him without thinking twice.”

While the online verdict grew harsher by the minute, Madueke fronted up after the game. No excuses, just a blunt assessment of what should have happened.

“I should have scored one,” he admitted. “We definitely had a few chances, Morgz [Morgan Rogers] I think. But it will come. Better to miss them now than when the tournament starts."

He went deeper into the moment that sparked the storm.

“I should’ve probably gone with my right foot. Obviously, it was happening quick. I should’ve scored it, but when the tournament comes, I will score them.”

A comfortable win on the pitch, then, but a far tougher battle off it. Madueke has made his promise. The next time the chance falls his way, it can’t just be words that answer his critics.