Noni Madueke believes Chelsea and England will reap the rewards of his on-field chemistry with Cole Palmer.
Madueke and Palmer became England Under-16 team-mates in 2017 and progressed through the age groups together, winning last year's U21 Euros under Lee Carsley.
They both joined Chelsea in 2023 and have started the new season brilliantly, registering four goals and four assists in five Premier League games between them so far.
Palmer had to pull out of the England squad this week due to a minor injury concern, but Madueke’s inclusion is his first call up for the senior side.
“We’ve been playing with each other for eight years now, in the exact same positions that we are playing now, so it’s great that he’s my team-mate,” said Madueke of his relationship with Palmer.
“We’ve got a good relationship off the pitch as well. But on the pitch, we really know each other’s games.
“It’s easy to play with someone like that, because he knows what I like to do and I know what he likes to do. We have a good chemistry, and long may it continue.
“I remember when he scored in the [Euro 2024] final, we were all in the group chat. It was crazy; we were so proud of him. He did really well, not just in the final but little cameos in other games.”
Madueke received a text from Carsley informing him of his England call up while eating breakfast in Switzerland ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League qualifier against Servette last week.
“I’m happy I got the call-up and am just eager to show everyone what I can do,” he said. “This season, I just wanted to play as well as possible.
“What I am doing for Chelsea is what has got me here, trying to be direct and score goals.”
Speaking about life at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, Madueke told talkSPORT: “What you guys see [of Chelsea] on the outside is definitely slightly exaggerated. In the building, it’s a great place to be. But there’s a lot going on, with all the signings and turnover.
“[Maresca] is helping me a lot with my game. He’s a great tactician.”
