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Should there have been a hidden ingredient to the cohesion among the England Under-21s players as they retained their European title this summer, the young full-back might have let it slip: a card game called Werewolf. Adopted by the England first team setup during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it matches a small aware team 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 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 people are often on devices, you come together, you enjoy yourselves, you have a joke … the squad was extremely close, the collective was strong, and it showed during matches when we ended up going and winning it.”

This reflects the situation for developing footballers that the young Lions had only limited time to celebrate their last-minute triumph over Germany before they dispersed. The defender’s situation involved traveling to Italy – his new side in August 2024 after ten years with Arsenal – before heading off on a much-needed break.

“It was a quick, quick turnaround, so I believe we perhaps missed fully celebrating it as much as we should have,” he says. “Yet I didn’t consider it was unexpected for us to claim victory. Everyone believed: ‘We deserved to win, and we would triumph,’ so when we did it, it was like: ‘Alright, we succeeded, it’s an achievement, let’s take our holidays, but now everyone’s got to go and rip up at their clubs.’”

Serie A Impact

He has undoubtedly brought that energy to Genoa’s season. Having missed a considerable period of his debut campaign owing to injuries, the London-born defender has established himself under the Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and says he is regularly recognised around Genoa.

They represent Italy’s first football club, created by a group of English settlers in 1893, and the recent away kit that the defender assisted in launching features the English flag in recognition of their origins.

“It seems numerous supporters have identified with me in that way, as an English player, and considering the team’s foundation,” he says. “Unexpectedly, it fits perfectly.”

Football Journey

Norton-Cuffy is following in the journey of a similar wing-back 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 successful loans at Lincoln, Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry, declining opportunities from Premier League teams and Bundesliga outfits.

“I desired to join, compete and learn a different football approach, immerse in different traditions and step out of what I’d say is my comfort zone, 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 known for its defensive abilities, organization, football philosophy. Thus, I determined: ‘Let me come and improve on my defensive side, but demonstrate my abilities in attack and bring my own style to Serie A.’”

Fitness and Nutrition

The defender is recognized for exhausting bursts down the wing and attributes his stamina to a carbohydrate-loading routine that commences days ahead of a match. Many of his meals are provided by Genoa but he acquired cooking skills at Arsenal – part of the education young players are taught at Arsenal’s youth system.

“The club guided my growth toward adulthood, via on-field work and off the pitch,” says Norton-Cuffy. “With the Gunners, players attend and developing continuously daily. When not training, you’re learning about how to cook. These skills have helped, absolutely. They always made sure mental preparation occurred, similar aspects. In games, obviously it’s Arsenal Football Club: the level, the standard is extremely high, so I feel like it has helped me out a lot.”

Coaching Effect

The club experienced a difficult beginning, taking two points from five league games but playing under Vieira remains a perfect scenario for Norton-Cuffy. He praises the ex-international, who succeeded the previous manager last November, for enhancing his tactical awareness: “He was a great player, now he’s an excellent coach and he’s helped me a lot since his arrival. The objective is to achieve maximum success. Initially, we must reach safety, I think it is, make sure we’re safe, and then plan ahead, but I believe the squad can of doing some very good things.”

International Ambitions

Shortly after England’s championship success, the manager discussed a hat-trick of victories for the under-21s in 2027. Having been in the junior selection that secured victory in 2022, is anticipated to play in the England’s upcoming games against Moldova and Andorra this month and says Carsley has also been a important guide in his journey.

“When facing obstacles last year, he made time to contact me, advise: ‘Persevere, you understand your ability,’ give you a little pep talk. He’s always there. During youth international duty, they stress it in every single camp: the aim isn’t youth team participation the objective is senior national team. Thus, it hinges on what I do for the under-21s and my club form. It’s for me to push myself ahead and that’s on me.”