Zlatan Ibrahimović, Swedish legend, criticized the performance of Noni Madueke during the first half of the World Cup quarter-final match between England and Norway, asserting that the player made no contribution and deserved to be substituted at halftime.

Madueke, an Arsenal player, started the match as a right winger in England's lineup, during the game held in Miami, but struggled to make any positive impact on the proceedings.

His first negative moment came from the first minute, when Elliot Anderson sent a long and precise cross towards him, but Madueke played an inaccurate cross that went directly out of play.

Madueke also failed on multiple occasions to get the better of the full-back tasked with marking him or to create danger from the right flank.

After the end of the first half, Ibrahimović directed sharp criticism at the player during his appearance on Fox network, saying: 'England are playing as if they are a man down so far.'

He added: 'Madueke is on the field... but I must say that every time the ball comes to him, he makes the wrong decision, and he is walking on the pitch.'

He continued: 'If I were Thomas Tuchel, I would have substituted him because he hasn't contributed anything, and even the water break didn't help him.'

These remarks came in reference to coach Thomas Tuchel giving special and energetic instructions to Madueke during the water break in the middle of the first half, which reflects Tuchel's clear agreement with the harsh assessment given by Zlatan.

Tuchel made a decisive decision at halftime to pull Madueke off the pitch, bringing on his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, who had been dealing with a persistent Achilles tendon issue throughout the tournament.

The halftime break also saw the exit of Declan Rice, Arsenal player, who had been ill this week and was at risk of suspension, with Eberechi Eze, Premier League champion, coming on in his place.

England secured the match with a 2-1 win thanks to a goal scored by Jude Bellingham in extra time, booking their place in the World Cup semi-finals.