How England's Madueke went from rejection by club fans to World Cup starter

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Madueke's remarkable season - from petition to World Cup starterImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Noni Madueke has made 12 appearances for EnglandByAlex Howell England reporter in Kansas CityPublished1 hour agoWhen Noni Madueke was named in England's starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Croatia it was the latest moment in what has been a dramatic season for the Arsenal winger. Last summer Madueke completed a move to the Gunners from Chelsea for about £50m, but supporters started a petition against the signing with a #NoToMadueke hashtag being used across social media platforms. But just under 12 months later, the 24-year-old has become a Premier League winner, after helping Mikel Arteta's side to their first league title in 22 years, and is starting for Thomas Tuchel's England on the right wing.

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.

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Saka, who made his 50th appearance for England in the victory over Croatia, called the situation "unique", before adding "I don't really know how it works, but it works" when describing his relationship with Madueke. Tuchel not afraid to shout at players - Watkins Published14 hours agoAll three England keepers played there - Carlisle's role in trio's rise Published1 day agoMadueke's link with Kane and England's styleWhen Tuchel named his England squad for the World Cup the German was full of praise for Madueke. The forward has put in consistently good performances for the Three Lions since Tuchel took charge and the manager said Madueke can be a "difference-maker" before highlighting his "one-on-one ability".

Tuchel has made it clear he wants his England team to play in a style that replicates the physicality of the Premier League. And that thinking shaped the selection of his squad, with the 52-year-old picking a group of players who are physically robust and powerful runners. Tuchel has ensured that his gameplan is built around record goalscorer and captain Kane, with the Bayern Munich forward surrounded by wingers who like to run behind the defence to leave space for him to drop deep.

That thinking worked out well with Madueke's four passes to Kane against Croatia the joint most in the England team, matched by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Anthony Gordon started on the opposite flank to Madueke and their energetic performances on the wings was one of the positives of the match for Tuchel's side. Kane is known for his passing range and when given space the striker attempted a couple of passes to release Madueke behind the Croatia defence.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.