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If there was a key element to the togetherness among the England Under-21s players as they defended their European title this summer, the Genoa defender might have let it slip: a card game called Werewolf. Introduced to the national team environment during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, it pits a small informed group called the wolves against the unknowing villagers known as the villagers as they aim to outwit each other to win, in a setup resembling the well-known series The Traitors.

“Every night we played,” says Norton-Cuffy. “It really helped us bond because you understand each other better. In this day and age when people are often on devices, you sit down, you have a laugh, you have a joke … the squad was extremely close, the collective was strong, and this was evident in games when we ultimately claimed victory.”

Such is the life of a young player that the young Lions had only limited time to celebrate their last-minute triumph over Germany before they headed to their clubs. In Norton-Cuffy’s case involved boarding a flight to Genoa – the club he joined in August 2024 after his youth at Arsenal – before taking a well-deserved holiday.

“Everything happened very fast, so I think we likely couldn’t fully appreciate it as much as we should have,” he says. “But I don’t feel like it was unexpected for us to go and win it. The squad thought: ‘We deserved to win, and we are going to win the tournament,’ so upon achieving it, it was like: ‘Alright, we succeeded, we feel proud, break time, but everyone needs to perform for their teams.’”

Genoa Contribution

He has undoubtedly brought that form into the Italian league. Having missed a significant part of his debut campaign owing to injuries, the 21-year-old from Southwark has established himself under ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira and mentions being frequently acknowledged around the Italian city.

They represent Italy’s oldest club, created by a group of British immigrants in 1893, and the latest alternate jersey that he participated in marketing features the cross of St George in a nod to their heritage.

“I feel like numerous supporters have identified 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

Norton-Cuffy is following in the path of another attacking defender from the London area in Djed Spence, who spent four and a half months at Genoa from the North London club in 2024. He opted to exit Arsenal after productive spells at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, turning down offers from Premier League teams and clubs in Germany.

“I wanted to come here, perform and discover a new style of football, learn about Italian culture and place myself beyond what I know as my safe space, because remaining in England was an option. Yet I thought: ‘I should attempt this overseas challenge. I want to experience different customs. The Italian league is famous for tactical discipline, tactics, playing approach. Thus, I determined: ‘Let me come and improve on my defensive side, but demonstrate my abilities going forward and introduce my personal approach to Serie A.’”

Fitness and Nutrition

The defender is recognized for energy-sapping sprints down the wing and puts his energy down to a carb‑loading regime that commences days ahead of a match. Most of his nutrition are supplied by the club but he learned to cook at Arsenal – part of the education emerging talents learn at the club’s training facility.

“The club guided my growth into a man, through football training and through life skills,” notes the player. “In North London, youth develop and improving constantly consistently. When not training, you’re learning about how to cook. It’s come in handy, absolutely. Coaches guaranteed you were doing your psychology work, related areas. And then on the pitch, obviously it’s Arsenal Football Club: the level, the standard is extremely high, so I believe it benefited me greatly.”

Coaching Effect

The club experienced a challenging opening, earning just two points in five matches but playing under Vieira remains a dream come true for Norton-Cuffy. He acknowledges the ex-international, 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 improved my game since he’s come in. The objective is to get as high as possible. Initially, we must reach safety, approximately, ensure survival, and then look from there, but I think this group is capable of doing some very good things.”

National Team Goals

Shortly after England’s summer triumph, the manager discussed a hat-trick of victories for the under-21s in 2027. Norton‑Cuffy, part of the youth team that secured victory in 2022, is anticipated to play in the England’s upcoming games against Moldova and Andorra this month and notes the coach has also served as a significant factor in his development.

“When I had difficult moments last year, he made time to reach out, tell me: ‘Continue pushing, you recognize your talent,’ provide motivation. His support is constant. When you’re playing for the under-21s, they stress it in every single camp: the goal is not to be in the under-21s the objective is senior national team. Therefore, it relies on my performances for the youth team and my club form. It’s for me to push myself ahead and that’s my responsibility.”