England manager Gareth Southgate has been urged to start Leicester City’s James Maddison against Italy in Thursday night’s Euros qualifier, with pundits eager for him to show what he can do..
Despite City’s struggles in the league, Maddison has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this season. His performances in the first half of the season earned him a call-up to England’s World Cup squad in Qatar, his first in three years.
The 26-year-old did not play in the tournament but has been called up again for this week’s games against Italy and Ukraine.
If Maddison does play, it will be only his second cap for his country, and his first in less than three and a half years.
The 26-year-old did not play in the tournament but has been called up again for this week’s games against Italy and Ukraine. If Maddison does play, it will be only his second cap for his country, and his first in less than three and a half years.
Prior to the match against Italy on Thursday night, pundits on talkSPORT have been debating who should be named to the starting XI. Ally McCoist and presenter Laura Woods both agree on Maddison..
“I think we’re all massive fans of James Maddison, and I think we’d all like to see him given the opportunity,” McCoist said.
But it was Woods who then sent a clear message to Southgate about how much Maddison should play in the next two games.
“Get him in, honestly, we’ve been waiting so long for this, and while there’s a little bit of movement,” she said. “It’s a Euros qualifier, still really important games.
“But it’s not like he’s a risk, or that you’re thinking, ‘arrgh, he’s a young player, it’s a gamble.'” He’s innovative, exciting, and intelligent; he makes things happen, assists, and scores..
I’d like to see him, so bring him in. What exactly are we waiting for? It’s taken so long to get him to the World Cup and then not give him any minutes in games where you know he could have made a difference.
I would absolutely love to see him. Is that clear? I would love to see him.
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