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Were there a secret formula 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. Introduced to the senior England camp during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, it pits a small aware team called the wolves against the unaware group known as the villagers as they attempt to deceive each other to win, in a structure like the well-known series The Traitors.

“Every night we played,” the defender explains. “It really helped us bond because you understand each other better. Today when people are often on devices, you come together, you enjoy yourselves, you share moments … the squad was extremely close, the collective was strong, and you saw that on the pitch when we ended up going and winning it.”

This reflects the life of a young player that the England U21 team had only a few hours to celebrate their last-minute triumph over Germany before they dispersed. The defender’s situation involved traveling to Italy – the team he signed for in August 2024 after a decade at Arsenal – before taking a earned vacation.

“It was a quick, quick turnaround, so I would say we perhaps missed fully celebrating it to the extent we deserved,” he says. “But I don’t feel like it was a shock for this group to go and win it. The squad thought: ‘We should win the tournament, and we would triumph,’ so after winning, it was like: ‘Well, we accomplished it, we feel proud, break time, but everyone needs to perform for their teams.’”

Italian League Influence

Norton-Cuffy has certainly taken that energy to Genoa’s season. Having missed a significant part of his initial year owing to injuries, the 21-year-old from Southwark has secured a starting spot under ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira and says he is regularly recognised around the Italian city.

They represent Italy’s first football club, created by a group of English expatriates in 1893, and the new away shirt that the defender assisted in launching features the English flag in a nod to their heritage.

“I believe a lot of Italians have related to me in that way, because I’m English, and given the club’s origins,” he says. “It’s strangely come together very nicely.”

Professional Growth

Norton-Cuffy is following in the journey of a similar wing-back from south London 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, rejecting proposals from English top-flight clubs and German teams.

“My aim was to move, compete and learn a alternative playing style, learn about Italian culture and step out of what I’d say is my comfort zone, because staying in England would have been simpler. But I said: ‘Let me try the challenge abroad. Time to understand Italian life. Serie A is known for its defensive abilities, tactics, playing approach. Thus, I determined: ‘I should join and develop on my defensive side, but display my talents offensively and add my unique flair to this league.’”

Professional Routine

The defender is recognized for exhausting bursts down the right and attributes his stamina to a carbohydrate-loading routine that starts three days before a match. Many of his meals are arranged by the team but he developed culinary abilities at Arsenal – among the capabilities emerging talents learn at Arsenal’s youth system.

“They assisted my development as a person, via on-field work and in personal development,” explains the defender. “With the Gunners, players attend and improving constantly every day. If you’re not learning about football, cooking lessons occur. This has proven useful, definitely. They always made sure you were doing your psychology work, related areas. And then on the pitch, obviously it’s Arsenal Football Club: expectations are maximum, so I believe it benefited me out a lot.”

Vieira’s Influence

The team has had a slow start, securing minimal points early but playing under Vieira remains an ideal situation for Norton-Cuffy. He acknowledges the legendary player, who took over from Gilardino last November, for enhancing his tactical awareness: “He was a great player, he’s a great manager now and he’s improved my game since his arrival. The objective is to get as high as possible. First we need to secure our position, typically, ensure survival, and then look from there, but the team has potential of performing well.”

National Team Goals

Shortly after England’s summer triumph, Carsley was targeting a third consecutive title 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 young Lions’ qualifying matches against Moldova and Andorra during the international break and notes the coach has also served as a significant factor in his development.

“During challenging periods last year, he found moments to contact me, advise: ‘Continue pushing, you understand your ability,’ give you a little pep talk. His support is constant. While representing England’s youth, coaches emphasize regularly: the goal is not to be in the under-21s the objective is senior national team. Therefore, it relies on what I do for the under-21s and my club form. I must drive myself out there and that’s on me.”