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If there was a secret formula to the togetherness among the England Under-21s players as they defended their European title this summer, the young full-back might have revealed it: a social game called Werewolf. Adopted by the England first team setup during the Qatar World Cup in Qatar, it pits a small informed group called the wolves against the unknowing villagers known as the villagers as they try to trick each other to win, in a setup resembling the popular TV show The Traitors.

“We were playing every night,” Norton-Cuffy states. “It truly brought us together because you get to know people. In modern times when mobile phones are everywhere, you sit down, you share jokes, you create memories … the squad was extremely close, the collective was strong, and it showed during matches when we ultimately claimed victory.”

Such is the reality for emerging talents that the England U21 team had only limited time to celebrate their last-minute triumph over Germany before they headed to their clubs. The defender’s situation involved traveling to Italy – the team he signed for in August 2024 after ten years with Arsenal – before embarking on a well-deserved holiday.

“It was a quick, quick turnaround, so I would say we probably didn’t get to enjoy it as much as we should have,” he says. “However, I don’t believe it was unexpected for us to claim victory. Everyone believed: ‘Victory was ours to take, and we would triumph,’ so when we did it, it was like: ‘Well, we accomplished it, it’s an achievement, let’s take our holidays, but now everyone’s got to go and rip up at their clubs.’”

Italian League Influence

The defender has definitely carried that energy to Genoa’s season. Having missed a large portion of his first season owing to injuries, the young English talent has established himself under the Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and says he is regularly recognised around the port city.

Genoa are Italy’s most historic team, founded by a group of English settlers in 1893, and the recent away kit that the defender assisted in launching features the English flag in a nod to their heritage.

“It seems many local fans 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.”

Professional Growth

The defender is emulating the footsteps of another flying full-back from the capital in Djed Spence, who had a loan spell at Genoa from the North London club in 2024. The player chose to depart Arsenal after productive spells at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, rejecting proposals from English top-flight clubs and German teams.

“I desired to join, perform and discover a alternative playing style, learn about Italian culture and put myself outside what I consider my familiar environment, because I could have easily stayed. But I said: ‘Time to test myself internationally. Let me learn a new culture. The Italian league is famous for tactical discipline, tactics, playing approach. Thus, I determined: ‘I should join and develop my defending capabilities, but display my talents going forward and introduce my personal approach to Serie A.’”

Training and Preparation

Norton-Cuffy is known for exhausting bursts down the right flank and puts his energy down to a energy-boosting diet that starts three days before a match. Most of his nutrition are arranged by the team but he developed culinary abilities at Arsenal – among the capabilities young players are taught at the club’s training facility.

“They assisted my development into a man, with stuff on the pitch and in personal development,” notes the player. “With the Gunners, players attend and improving constantly daily. When not training, you’re learning about how to cook. This has proven useful, absolutely. They always made sure mental preparation occurred, related areas. And then on the pitch, naturally, it’s a top club: the level, the standard is extremely high, so it definitely assisted my development significantly.”

Manager Impact

The club experienced a difficult beginning, taking two points from five league games but working with the legend remains an ideal situation for Norton-Cuffy. He praises the former France midfielder, who took over from Gilardino last November, for improving his positional skills: “As a footballer, he excelled, currently he’s a top manager and he’s helped me a lot after joining. Our goal is to achieve maximum success. Our priority is to hit the 40-point mark, I think it is, ensure survival, and then plan ahead, but I think this group is capable of performing well.”

International Ambitions

Within minutes of England’s summer triumph, the coach already aimed for a three-peat for the under-21s in 2027. The defender, who featured in the under‑19s squad that won their European title in 2022, is anticipated to play in the England’s upcoming games against Moldova and Andorra this month and explains the manager has acted as a important guide in his journey.

“During challenging periods last year, he found moments to reach out, say: ‘Persevere, you understand your ability,’ give you a little pep talk. He’s consistently available. During youth international duty, the message is repeated constantly: the aim isn’t youth team participation the goal is to be in England’s first team. So it’s dependent on my performances for the youth team and my club form. The responsibility is mine ahead and that’s on me.”