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If there was a key element to the togetherness among the England Under-21s players as they secured their European title this summer, Brooke Norton-Cuffy might have revealed it: a social game called Werewolf. Introduced to the national team environment during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, it matches a small informed group called the wolves against the unaware group known as the villagers as they try to trick each other to win, in a format similar to the popular TV show The Traitors.

“Every night we played,” says Norton-Cuffy. “It significantly strengthened our unity because you learn about teammates. In this day and age when everyone can be on their phones, you gather, you enjoy yourselves, you create memories … the squad was extremely close, all were united, and it showed during matches when we ultimately claimed victory.”

That’s the situation for developing footballers that the England U21 team had only a few hours to celebrate their dramatic late victory over Germany before they dispersed. The defender’s situation involved traveling to Italy – the club he joined in August 2024 after ten years with Arsenal – before taking a earned vacation.

“Everything happened very fast, so I would say we perhaps missed fully celebrating it properly,” he says. “However, I don’t believe it was a shock for this group to emerge champions. Everyone believed: ‘We deserved to win, and we are going to win the tournament,’ so when we did it, it was like: ‘OK, we’ve done it, we’re proud of ourselves, let’s take our holidays, but everyone needs to perform for their teams.’”

Serie A Impact

The defender has definitely carried that form into the Italian league. After missing a significant part of his debut campaign owing to injuries, the young English talent has become a regular under former Gunners star Patrick Vieira and mentions being frequently acknowledged around the port city.

Genoa are Italy’s most historic team, founded by a group of English expatriates in 1893, and the recent away kit that Norton-Cuffy helped to promote features the cross of St George in acknowledgment of their history.

“It seems many local fans have identified with me in that way, because I’m English, and because of how the club was founded,” he says. “It has surprisingly worked out well.”

Career Development

The defender is emulating the journey of a similar wing-back from the capital in Djed Spence, who played temporarily at Genoa from the North London club in 2024. The player chose to depart Arsenal after successful loans at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, turning down offers from English top-flight clubs and Bundesliga outfits.

“I wanted to come here, compete and learn a new style of football, experience a new culture and place myself beyond what I’d say is my comfort zone, because remaining in England was an option. But I said: ‘Let me try the challenge abroad. Let me learn a new culture. The Italian league is known for its defensive abilities, structure, style of play. So I said: ‘Time to enhance my defensive skills, but also show what I can do going forward and introduce my personal approach to Italian football.’”

Fitness and Nutrition

Norton-Cuffy is known for exhausting bursts down the right flank and credits his fitness to a carbohydrate-loading routine that commences days ahead of a match. His dietary intake are arranged by the team but he acquired cooking skills at Arsenal – among the capabilities emerging talents learn at the club’s training facility.

“They assisted my development toward adulthood, with stuff on the pitch and through life skills,” explains the defender. “At Arsenal, you’re going there and developing continuously every day. If you’re not learning about football, cooking lessons occur. These skills have helped, 100%. The staff ensured mental preparation occurred, stuff like that. During matches, naturally, it’s a top club: the level, the standard is extremely high, so I believe it benefited me significantly.”

Vieira’s Influence

Genoa have made a difficult beginning, securing minimal points early but working with the legend remains a dream come true for Norton-Cuffy. He acknowledges the former France midfielder, who replaced Alberto Gilardino last November, for developing his game intelligence: “His playing career was exceptional, now he’s an excellent coach and he’s improved my game since he’s come in. The aim remains to get as high as possible. Initially, we must secure our position, approximately, ensure survival, and then look from there, but I believe the squad can of achieving positive results.”

England Aspirations

Shortly after England’s European victory, Carsley was targeting a hat-trick of victories for England’s youth in 2027. Having been in the junior selection that claimed their championship in 2022, is anticipated to play in the under-21s’ qualifiers against Moldova and Andorra in October and explains the manager has acted as a significant factor in his development.

“When I had difficult moments last year, he would take the time to give me a call, advise: ‘Continue pushing, you recognize your talent,’ give you a little pep talk. He’s consistently available. During youth international duty, coaches emphasize regularly: the goal is not to be in the under-21s the target is the main squad. Thus, it hinges on my contributions internationally and my domestic performances. I must drive myself out there and that’s my responsibility.”