Chelsea's Noni Madueke claims England's latest Under-21 side are even BETTER than Lee Carsley's European champions from last year
- England beat Spain to win their first European title in 39 years last summer
- Several players have since graduated to Gareth Southgate's senior squad
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Noni Madueke claimed that England's current Under 21s have a higher ceiling than those who created history by delivering a first European title in 39 years.
The Chelsea winger played a key role in last summer's European Championship triumph, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon having since earned senior recognition.
Now an elder statesman in Lee Carsley's new group, Madueke claimed that there could be even more ability around him after watching Kobbie Mainoo answer the call from Gareth Southgate amid fitness concerns of senior midfielders.
'Our team last year peaked at the perfect time - going into the Euros we peaked,' Madueke told Mail Sport. 'If you asked any of those boys, all of them will tell you that they saw us going to the final.
'That was definitely a thing that was spoken about. But in this team, the talent level might be higher.
![Noni Madueke believes the lates England under-21 side could be even stronger than the one that won the European Championship last year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/21/15/82736263-13223893-image-a-40_1711034208434.jpg)
Noni Madueke believes the lates England under-21 side could be even stronger than the one that won the European Championship last year
![Lee Carsley's side beat Spain to lift the trophy in Batumi, Georgia, last summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/21/15/82736283-13223893-image-a-41_1711034266568.jpg)
Lee Carsley's side beat Spain to lift the trophy in Batumi, Georgia, last summer
![Madueke played a part in England's triumph at the Euros and has a positive outlook](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/21/15/82736305-13223893-image-a-42_1711034311452.jpg)
Madueke played a part in England's triumph at the Euros and has a positive outlook
'Talent isn't everything but I feel like the ability of the boys might be higher. There is still a long way to go but if we take the appropriate steps then the sky is the limit.'
Carsley, who reaffirmed his commitment to England after talks over the Republic of Ireland job, has an abundance of quality at his disposal as the Young Lions face Azerbaijan in Baku on Friday.
Madueke's Chelsea teammate Carney Chukwuemeka is in line for a debut alongside Bournemouth's promising midfielder Alex Scott, while Jaden Philogene is enjoying a storming season at Hull City and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens possesses Champions League experience with Dortmund.
Rico Lewis has flourished with Manchester City and central defender Jarell Quansah's fairytale spell next to Virgil van Dijk has earned him rave reviews at Liverpool.
'So many goals, so much creation,' Madueke added. 'It's a really good team. We won the Euros last year and I think this team has the potential to surpass it.
'The manager's an elite coach, a top human being. He's a winner. There is nobody better suited to the job.
'I've had some coaches and he's right up there with the best in terms of player development and human qualities, which are so important. Boys come over here and feel like they have that support. Even when I'm not here he supports me.'
Meanwhile, defender Teden Mengi didn't travel to Azerbaijan for the Euro qualifier and is receiving treatment on an injury at Luton Town.
![Madueke celebrates a goal at last year's Euros with Anthony Gordon, now in the senior squad](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/21/15/82736345-13223893-image-a-43_1711034361917.jpg)
Madueke celebrates a goal at last year's Euros with Anthony Gordon, now in the senior squad