Zlatan Slams Maddison's Performance in World Cup Qualifier
Zlatan Ibrahimović criticized Noni Maddison's performance in England's 2-1 World Cup qualifier win over Norway, saying the winger's constant mistakes made England play like they had one fewer player on the field.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, the former Swedish national team striker, has criticized English winger Noni Maddison's performance, saying he makes constant mistakes that make it seem like England is playing with one fewer player on the field. Maddison started in England's 2026 World Cup semi-final qualifier against Norway, which England won 2-1 in extra time to advance to face Argentina on July 15 local time. However, he was substituted out immediately after the first half ended. Ibrahimović commented during halftime that the change somewhat disrupted England's flow, since Jude Bellingham is England's most alert player. "But I think they're playing with one fewer player because of Maddison being on the pitch," Ibrahimović said. "Every time he gets the ball, he makes a poor decision and just wanders around." He added: "If I were Tuchel, I would have taken him off because he did nothing in those 45 minutes. Even the halftime break didn't help him. He played, but wasn't truly effective every game. England started down one player."
