Noni on his World Cup dream and DR Congo

Noni Madueke's England take on DR Congo in the first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and while our winger is living his dream by competing at a World Cup, he's hungry for more.

In what is Noni's first World Cup, he feels that he can help England hunt down a first major title for 60 years, starting with the Round of 32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday (5pm UK).

"It's a dream come true to compete in the World Cup," Noni told the media on Tuesday, "I'm grateful for the opportunity.

"It's been a good experience, the first objective was achieved, so I'm really happy about that and I'm looking forward to the knockout stages now. You have to feel like [you can step up], you're a top player, you're here for a reason.

"You're playing for your country on the biggest stage and you have to have the excessive confidence in your ability. Knockout football is where it's at, so I'm trying to be at my best for that. At the end of the day, alongside your teammates on that pitch, it's down to you to deliver."

In DR Congo, England will come up against a resilient, well-disciplined side, potentially setting up in a similar way to the Ghana side that held the Three Lions to a goalless draw in the group stages.

Noni feels the African nation will provide a welcome test for his side, and that they'll need to be at their best to make it through to the last 16.

"I feel like every team has difficulties with the opposition setting up 11 players in 30 metres of space, it's not easy to break down. I think we've seen other top nations struggle as well. It's just part of football now.

"Of course, when you play England, naturally you're going to have a defensive approach because of the quality in our team. I expect a difficult game, for sure.

"When you get to this stage of the World Cup, you can't take any opposition lightly. They will have their strengths and their qualities. The game will definitely be difficult and we'll be ready from the start."

One advantage England have, especially in attack, is their strength in depth. Manager Thomas Tuchel has been more than happy to turn to his bench throughout the group stages, showcasing the range of talent at his disposal.

Noni has been part of that rotation, with two starts and a substitute appearance to his name at his first major tournament.

"I feel like you always have to be at the highest level, because you know you have a top player waiting and biting at your heels to try and get in the team.

"That type of healthy competition is good, but playing for Arsenal and England, you don't really need anyone else to keep you at the highest level, you know that that's a requirement."

Just as he did for part of the club season, Noni has been competing for minutes with club teammate Bukayo Saka, something our no.20 relishes as both wingers look to help England to a first world title since 1966.

"Normally it should be a little strange, but it's not," Noni said, "I feel like it doesn't affect our relationship. We want the best for each other when each other plays, because that means if he plays well, I play well, then Arsenal and England have a better chance of winning.

"I feel like that winning feeling lingers. It's great to take [a Premier League title] into a tournament as big and as prominent as the World Cup. It definitely fills you with confidence."

Arsenal wingers were a hot topic in Noni's press conference, as Gabriel Martinelli netted a late winner for Brazil while his club teammate was on media duties for England.

"For sure, I'm happy for him," Noni said with a smile, "I hope he continues to do extremely well, just not if they play us!"

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