Madueke claims England's latest U21 are BETTER than Carsley's European champions
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.
'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.
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
