James Maddison Leicester City
James Maddison admits the big debate over his World Cup prospects is very much on his mind and he hopes his fine form for Leicester City has given England manager Gareth Southgate food for thought. It is three years since Maddison earned his one and only senior international cap to date but the playmaker is being tipped to make the Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar following a string of impressive performances for the Foxes. He was once again the star man as Leicester beat Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday evening, assisting both goals, for Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes respectively. It was his final chance to impress before Southgate names his final England squad on Thursday. Asked about his chances of going to Qatar,
James Maddison said: “I would be lying if I was saying it was not on my mind because the World Cup is so close and that is the pinnacle, the dream and playing at a major tournament with your country would be the best thing ever. I am not going to lie and say it’s not on my mind, I always say the same answer and that is if I focus on my form at Leicester, hopefully that does catch the eye of the England manager and I can force my way into his plans, but it’s out of my control.”
There has been a clamour among pundits and fans for Maddison to be called up to the England squad, and Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has made it clear where he stands on the matter.
Brendan Rodgers said: “If you’re talking technical level, tactical idea and efficiency, he’s right up there. He’s one of the best players in this league, never mind in England. There’s absolutely no question. We’re talking in this league which is full of world-class superstars. He is a superstar. What a player. This is a game where people will create a narrative and spin stories around a certain player. That has been created with him. He’s a young guy who has played in the lower leagues and has come into the highest level. He might have a Louis Vuitton bag, but he loves football. He made some mistakes that he would admit as well. For me, the joy I have in working with him every day, I couldn’t buy that. Talking football when we’re having breakfast, out on the field, you’d pay to watch him train he’s so good. I’m very lucky that I don’t have to pay to watch him play football in the biggest stadiums. This boy is built for a World Cup. This boy can go into a 150,000-seater stadium and it doesn’t matter. He can take the ball, he’ll pass the ball, he’ll be creative. That’s his stage. Everyone has seen it and that’s why I keep getting questions on it. He’s one of the best players in the Premier League, who happens to be English. There are other incredible talents about. But just look at his numbers and what he produces. He’s a brilliant guy who has matured. I left this player out of an FA Cup final because of certain aspects of his game I didn’t like. But he’s always responded. He has a resilience. He has a toughness. He’s a top, top player.”
