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Were there 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 disclosed it: a card game called Werewolf. Introduced to the national team environment during the Qatar World Cup in Qatar, it opposes a small aware team called the wolves against the unaware group 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 significantly strengthened our unity because you get to know people. In modern times when people are often on devices, you sit down, you have a laugh, you have a joke … the squad was extremely close, everyone was together, and you saw that on the pitch when we succeeded in winning the tournament.”

That’s the situation for developing footballers that the England U21 team had only limited time to celebrate their dramatic late victory over Germany before they headed to their clubs. The defender’s situation involved traveling to Italy – his new side in August 2024 after his youth at Arsenal – before taking a much-needed break.

“Everything happened very fast, so I think we probably didn’t get to enjoy it properly,” he says. “Yet I didn’t consider it was a shock for this group to claim victory. Everyone believed: ‘We should win the tournament, and we would triumph,’ so when we did it, it was like: ‘Alright, we succeeded, we feel proud, break time, but everyone needs to perform for their teams.’”

Genoa Contribution

The defender has definitely carried that energy to Genoa’s season. After missing a significant part of his first season owing to injuries, the London-born defender has become a regular under former Gunners star 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 expatriates in 1893, and the recent away kit that he participated in marketing features the St George’s Cross in recognition of their origins.

“I believe numerous supporters seem to have connected with me in that way, due to my nationality, and because of how the club was founded,” he says. “It has surprisingly worked out well.”

Career Development

Norton-Cuffy is following in the path of another attacking defender from the capital in Djed Spence, who played temporarily at Genoa from Spurs in 2024. Norton-Cuffy decided to leave Arsenal after valuable experiences at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, declining opportunities from English top-flight clubs and clubs in Germany.

“I wanted to come here, play and experience a alternative playing style, immerse in different traditions and place myself beyond what I’d say is my comfort zone, because I could have easily stayed. But I said: ‘Time to test myself internationally. Time to understand Italian life. The Italian league is known for its defensive abilities, organization, football philosophy. So I said: ‘Let me come and improve on my defensive side, but display my talents offensively and bring my own style to Italian football.’”

Fitness and Nutrition

The defender is recognized for lung‑bursting runs down the right flank and credits his fitness to a energy-boosting diet that starts three days before a match. Many of his meals are provided by Genoa but he acquired cooking skills at Arsenal – part of the education developing footballers receive at the club’s training facility.

“They helped me mature toward adulthood, with stuff on the pitch and through life skills,” says Norton-Cuffy. “At Arsenal, you’re going there and you’re learning to be better consistently. Besides sports education, culinary skills are taught. This has proven useful, 100%. The staff ensured mental preparation occurred, related areas. And then on the pitch, clearly, standards are high: expectations are maximum, so I feel like it has helped me out a lot.”

Vieira’s Influence

Genoa have made a difficult beginning, securing minimal points early but playing under Vieira remains an ideal situation for Norton-Cuffy. He acknowledges the ex-international, who took over from Gilardino last November, for enhancing his tactical awareness: “His playing career was exceptional, he’s a great manager now and he’s assisted my development since his arrival. The objective is to achieve maximum success. Our priority is to secure our position, I think it is, guarantee our status, and then assess further, but I believe the squad can of doing some very good things.”

National Team Goals

Immediately following England’s European victory, the coach already aimed for a third consecutive title for the under-21s in 2027. Norton‑Cuffy, part of the youth team that won their European title in 2022, is expected to start the under-21s’ qualifiers 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 reach out, advise: ‘Continue pushing, you understand your ability,’ provide motivation. He’s consistently available. While representing England’s youth, the message is repeated constantly: the goal is not to be in the under-21s the goal is to be in England’s first team. Thus, it hinges on what I do for the under-21s and my domestic performances. I must drive myself ahead and that’s my challenge.”