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If there was a secret formula to the cohesion among the England Under-21s players as they secured their European title this summer, the Genoa defender might have let it slip: a social game called Werewolf. Adopted by the senior England camp during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, it pits a small aware team called the wolves against the uninformed majority known as the villagers as they attempt to deceive each other to win, in a structure like the hit television program 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 come together, you have a laugh, you have a joke … the squad was extremely close, all were united, and it showed during matches when we ultimately claimed victory.”

Such is the situation for developing footballers that Lee Carsley’s squad had only a few hours to celebrate their last-minute triumph over Germany before they went their separate ways. For Norton-Cuffy involved traveling to Italy – his new side in August 2024 after a decade at Arsenal – before heading off on a much-needed break.

“It was a quick, quick turnaround, so I would say we perhaps missed fully celebrating it as much as we should have,” he says. “But I don’t feel like it was unexpected for us to emerge champions. The squad thought: ‘We should win the tournament, and we would triumph,’ so upon achieving it, it was like: ‘OK, we’ve done it, we feel proud, break time, but now each player must excel with their clubs.’”

Genoa Contribution

The defender has definitely carried that energy to Genoa’s season. Having missed a significant part of his debut campaign owing to injuries, the London-born defender has become a regular under the Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and says he is regularly recognised around the Italian city.

Genoa are Italy’s most historic team, established by a group of English settlers in 1893, and the latest alternate jersey that Norton-Cuffy helped to promote features the St George’s Cross in recognition of their origins.

“I believe many local fans have identified with me in that way, because I’m English, and because of how the club was founded,” he says. “Unexpectedly, it fits perfectly.”

Career Development

Norton-Cuffy is following in the footsteps of another flying full-back from the London area in Djed Spence, who spent four and a half months at Genoa from Spurs in 2024. The player chose to depart Arsenal after valuable experiences at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, declining opportunities from Premier League teams and clubs in Germany.

“I wanted to come here, play and experience a alternative playing style, immerse in different traditions and step out of what I know as my safe space, because I could have easily stayed. But I said: ‘Let me try the challenge abroad. I want to experience different customs. Italy’s top division is famous for tactical discipline, tactics, playing approach. Therefore, I concluded: ‘Time to enhance my defensive skills, but display my talents offensively and bring my own style to this league.’”

Professional Routine

The defender is recognized for energy-sapping sprints down the right and credits his fitness to a energy-boosting diet that begins 72 hours prior a match. His dietary intake are supplied by the club but he developed culinary abilities at Arsenal – part of the education emerging talents learn at the Hale End academy.

“They assisted my development into a man, via on-field work and through life skills,” explains the defender. “With the Gunners, players attend and developing continuously consistently. If you’re not learning about football, you’re learning about how to cook. These skills have helped, definitely. They always made sure mental preparation occurred, stuff like that. And then on the pitch, naturally, it’s a top club: expectations are maximum, so I believe it benefited me greatly.”

Vieira’s Influence

The team has had a challenging opening, earning just two points in five matches but being coached by Vieira remains a dream come true for Norton-Cuffy. He credits the ex-international, who took over from Gilardino last November, for enhancing his tactical awareness: “His playing career was exceptional, now he’s an excellent coach and he’s improved my game since he’s come in. Our goal is to climb the table. Initially, we must reach safety, typically, make sure we’re safe, and then plan ahead, but the team has potential of doing some very good things.”

International Ambitions

Shortly after England’s European victory, Carsley was targeting a three-peat for England’s youth in 2027. Having been in the under‑19s squad that won their European title in 2022, is expected to start the under-21s’ qualifiers against Moldova and Andorra this month and explains the manager has acted as a significant factor in his development.

“When facing obstacles last year, he found moments to reach out, tell me: ‘Persevere, you know your quality,’ give you a little pep talk. He’s consistently available. While representing England’s youth, coaches emphasize regularly: the aim isn’t youth team participation the goal is to be in England’s first team. Thus, it hinges on my contributions internationally and how well I do at my club. The responsibility is mine out there and that’s my challenge.”