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If there was a key element to the cohesion among the England Under-21s players as they secured their European title this summer, Brooke Norton-Cuffy might have disclosed it: a card game called Werewolf. Adopted by the senior England camp during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, it opposes a small knowledgeable faction called the wolves against the uninformed majority known as the villagers as they aim to outwit each other to win, in a structure like the hit television program The Traitors.

“We were playing every night,” Norton-Cuffy states. “It significantly strengthened our unity because you understand each other better. In modern times when everyone can be on their phones, you come together, you have a laugh, you create memories … the group was really, really tight, the collective was strong, and it showed during matches when we ultimately claimed victory.”

This reflects the reality for emerging talents that Lee Carsley’s squad had only brief period to celebrate their thrilling win over Germany before they went their separate ways. For Norton-Cuffy involved joining his Serie A club – the club he joined in August 2024 after a decade at Arsenal – before embarking on a earned vacation.

“It was a quick, quick turnaround, so I think we perhaps missed fully celebrating it properly,” he says. “However, I don’t believe it was surprising for our team to claim victory. We all felt like: ‘We deserved to win, and we are going to win the tournament,’ so when we did it, it was like: ‘Well, we accomplished it, we feel proud, time for vacation, but everyone needs to perform for their teams.’”

Italian League Influence

Norton-Cuffy has certainly taken that energy to Genoa’s season. Despite missing a significant part of his debut campaign owing to injuries, the 21-year-old from Southwark has secured a starting spot under the Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and says he is regularly recognised around Genoa.

Genoa are Italy’s most historic team, established by a group of English expatriates in 1893, and the new away shirt that the defender assisted in launching features the cross of St George in a nod to their heritage.

“It seems numerous supporters seem to have connected with me in that way, as an English player, and because of how the club was founded,” he says. “Unexpectedly, it fits perfectly.”

Career Development

He is tracing the footsteps of another flying full-back from the London area in Djed Spence, who played temporarily at Genoa from the North London club in 2024. The player chose to depart Arsenal after valuable experiences at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, declining opportunities from Premier League teams and German teams.

“I desired to join, play and experience a new style of football, experience a new culture and place myself beyond what I consider my familiar environment, because remaining in England was an option. Yet I thought: ‘Time to test myself internationally. Let me learn a new culture. Italy’s top division is renowned for defensive organization, tactics, playing approach. Therefore, I concluded: ‘I should join and develop my defending capabilities, but demonstrate my abilities in attack and introduce my personal approach to Italian football.’”

Training and Preparation

He is famous for energy-sapping sprints down the wing and attributes his stamina to a energy-boosting diet that begins 72 hours prior a match. Most of his nutrition are provided by Genoa but he acquired cooking skills at Arsenal – part of the education young players are taught at the club’s training facility.

“They assisted my development into a man, through football training and through life skills,” says Norton-Cuffy. “In North London, youth develop and you’re learning to be better every day. If you’re not learning about football, culinary skills are taught. These skills have helped, definitely. They always made sure mental preparation occurred, related areas. During matches, naturally, it’s a top club: expectations are maximum, so I feel like it has helped me out a lot.”

Vieira’s Influence

The club experienced a difficult beginning, earning just two points in five matches but being coached by Vieira remains an ideal situation for Norton-Cuffy. He credits the legendary player, who replaced Alberto Gilardino last November, for developing his game intelligence: “As a footballer, he excelled, now he’s an excellent coach and he’s helped me a lot since his arrival. The aim remains to climb the table. First we need to secure our position, I think it is, guarantee our status, and then look from there, but I believe the squad can of doing some very good things.”

National Team Goals

Within minutes of England’s summer triumph, the coach already aimed for a three-peat for England’s youth in 2027. Norton‑Cuffy, part of the junior selection that claimed their championship in 2022, is anticipated to play in the under-21s’ qualifiers against Moldova and Andorra during the international break and says Carsley has also been a significant factor in his development.

“During challenging periods last year, he made time to give me a call, advise: ‘Keep going, you understand your ability,’ provide motivation. He’s always there. During youth international duty, coaches emphasize regularly: the goal is not to be in the under-21s the target is the main squad. Therefore, it relies on my contributions internationally and my club form. It’s for me to push myself ahead and that’s my responsibility.”