Close menu

James Maddison: Can Leicester playmaker force his way into England's World Cup squad?

Last updated on .From the section Leicestercomments688

James Maddison celebrating
Leicester signed James Maddison from Norwich in the summer of 2018 for about ÂŁ20m

It may have been a difficult season so far for Leicester but James Maddison has been a starring light amid the gloom.

The midfielder once again shone in Monday's 4-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest, scoring two and setting up another to help lift the Foxes off the bottom of the table.

It means Harry Kane is the only other Englishman to have more goal involvements than the 25-year-old in the Premier League since the start of last season.

So with just seven weeks until the start of the World Cup, is Maddison hoping to make a late dash for Gareth Southgate's squad for Qatar?

"That is an ambition of mine, it is a goal of mine," Maddison told Sky Sports. "An opportunity at that level is one I would desire and one I know I would make an impact at."

'I have been as confident as I have ever been'

Maddison's sole England cap came as a substitute against Montenegro in November 2019.

The previous month he was pictured in a casino after pulling out of a squad for a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic, with Southgate later saying Maddison will have learned there is "increased interest" in England players.

Since then he has seen the likes Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount establish themselves in the Three Lions squad ahead of him.

However Maddison's fine form could give Southgate something to think about.

Premier League goal involvements since start of 21-22 season - England players
PlayerGamesGoalsAssistsGoals & assists
Harry Kane45241034
James Maddison42171027
Ivan Toney4117724
Bukayo Saka46121123
Jarrod Bowen44131023
Raheem Sterling3716622
Mason Mount39111021
Phil Foden3614721

The former Norwich player has 17 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances since the start of last season - more than Foden, Grealish and Mount.

Indeed his 14 goal involvements in his last 11 Premier League appearances going back to 11 May is bettered only by Manchester City's superstar striker Erling Haaland.

What makes that form all the more remarkable is that it has come playing in a team that has struggled for results so far this campaign.

"It has been a weird position because we have been bottom of the league but I have been as confident as I have ever been," said Maddison. "I don't remember over the past 12 months playing better and feeling better.

"I am not naive, I know there are top, top players in the forward areas but I have a self-belief I am a top player and can be in that category.

"I have to force my way in because the players at the big clubs are in and they are top. I think there could be a space for me, so I will keep working hard."

'Maddison can change the course of a game'

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has endorsed Maddison's World Cup ambitions despite the intense competition in that area of the pitch.

"I would really hope there's a place for a player like that in a squad," said Rodgers. "Someone so talented and such a hard worker and such a team player.

"Phil Foden is an amazing talent. Mason Mount I really like. Jack Grealish is a different type, but this is a player who can come in and change the course of a game.

"If he wasn't starting a game, to have that on the bench to come into maybe a tight World Cup game is what a team like England needs."

'He has been a breath of fresh air'

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said there should be a place for Maddison in Southgate's squad based on his current form.

"There must be a place in the squad for him where you can pick from 26," said Carragher. "He has been a breath of fresh air in terms of his interviews, he shows his personality and is honest. I wish more players were like it in the past."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville added: "There has to be a plan B and if you need a goal in a knockout or need something from a set-piece, you want someone who can change a game. He is in the best form.

"I don't know any manager who has picked players on form so much [as Southgate]. James Maddison is in great form."

'Get Maddison on the plane' - how social reacted

Benjamin: Get James Maddison on the plane.

Agada: And Gareth Southgate will continually neglect James Maddison!?

Scott: Wish England had a creative midfielder… Oh wait!

Josh: James Maddison always so elegant in his interviews, speaks so well. A model professional, a leader and an inspiration to the younger generation. Loved his interview tonight, that performance and the way he talks about the game, would be a real asset in that England team.

Reiss: Maddison has to be on that plane to Qatar! There's no doubt about it. He looked a class above everyone else on that pitch tonight. His creativity would be vital for the England team.

Arjun: Maddison is cooking this season. Has to be in the England squad for Qatar.

Hays: Maddison to England is the direct no.10 they simply have nowhere else. Any competent manager would utilise him some way or another in their setup

Rob: He doesn't just go for me he starts! 4-3-3 with Rice holding with Maddison & Bellingham either side of him.

View more on twitter
View more on twitter
View more on twitter

If you are viewing this page on the BBC News app please click here to vote.

How to follow Leicester on the BBC bannerLeicester banner footer

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

688 comments

  • Comment posted by Public Elneny, at 00:19 4 Oct 2022

    Should make the squad for sure.
    But won't, you just know it'll be Mount hogging the majority of game time, with Grealish chucked on for the last 15 in a lazy attempt to turn things around after another insipid attacking performance has yielded nothing.

    • Reply posted by Winners And Sinners, at 02:20 4 Oct 2022

      Winners And Sinners replied:
      Agree he should be in the squad. But he has to get into Southgate's inner circle first, only after that will he have a chance to get into the actual squad. 😉

  • Comment posted by Solomon1, at 00:18 4 Oct 2022

    Southgate will not pick him. He deserved to be picked last season with 16 goals and 12 assists and still didn't get picked. Will only happen once Southgate gets sacked.

    • Reply posted by Nigel, at 07:36 4 Oct 2022

      Nigel replied:
      tell Southgate Madderson is considering playing for another country

  • Comment posted by skank of the south, at 00:19 4 Oct 2022

    Maddison or Sterling - 100% Maddison but sOUThgate won't ditch one of his mates,

    • Reply posted by Paul M, at 00:27 4 Oct 2022

      Paul M replied:
      Maguire got told he's injured and played along.

  • Comment posted by whats all the fuss about, at 00:39 4 Oct 2022

    But can he defend? There’s a reason why Kane and Foden look like amateurs playing for England. Our Gareth sucks the life out of attacking play and entertainment.

    • Reply posted by lawman, at 12:13 4 Oct 2022

      lawman replied:
      I believe he actually can.
      He has real spirt and fight to retrieve the ball back..
      Really agree with on Gareth sucking the life out of attacking play. So true.
      Still. When the world cup happens everyone you'd hope will up their game, even in the heat.
      Otherwise chop their heads off in the local Square...

  • Comment posted by Kermit not the frog but one of the many others, at 00:34 4 Oct 2022

    It's been apparent for some time that England's pedestrian midfirld is too full of sideways passers who create very little so we cry out for someone like Maddison. Southgate clearly doesn't rate him, I think he was put off by JM's attitude in a squad a while back and his stubbornness won't allow him to re-assess the situation. Great shame, he is what we need right now.

    • Reply posted by BOriSS, at 03:02 4 Oct 2022

      BOriSS replied:
      if we need diddy fodder from relegation scrappers we are worse than I thought. ☹️

  • Comment posted by femilonge1, at 00:32 4 Oct 2022

    England have a clueless and spineless Manager in Gareth Southgate. Madison isn't going to Qatar as long as he's Manager.

    • Reply posted by markyc, at 12:12 4 Oct 2022

      markyc replied:
      Definately spineless and woke

  • Comment posted by nelsonsclaret, at 00:17 4 Oct 2022

    He should do but he won’t do. Southgate doesn’t like him. Who knows why. Probably too busy picking his favourites to pick people on form

    • Reply posted by Keljac, at 00:24 4 Oct 2022

      Keljac replied:
      Yes indeed.So true he picks them because they play for the so called Top six.
      Maddison is far better than Mount.Plus his Team mate Harvey Barnes and Eze from Palace would be in my squad..It wont happen because they dont play for the fashionable clubs .We have no chance in the World cup.

  • Comment posted by Shuks, at 01:14 4 Oct 2022

    Southgate's plan is to either win 1-0, or end with 0-0 and go to penalties - Since England are so great at Penalties.

    A player like Maddison might spoil the plan.

    • Reply posted by Trinity, at 07:26 4 Oct 2022

      Trinity replied:
      You mean he will score.

  • Comment posted by silver333, at 00:38 4 Oct 2022

    Against Germany in the Nations league GS played the same players who had failed miserably and got England relegated. Why why why? It was the ideal opportunity to try new players, Toney for example. I can't see him doing any different come the WC. Afterall, we all know he's going in the right direction.

    • Reply posted by andyw, at 09:43 4 Oct 2022

      andyw replied:
      We all know GS only picked Toney in case Kane got injured. Maddison won't even get picked - GS will stick with players who run around a lot and do little, like the overrated Mount.

  • Comment posted by Sedgley Wolf, at 02:55 4 Oct 2022

    Can he play right back or defensive mid ?? well he's not going then is he

  • Comment posted by Wigston FC, at 00:23 4 Oct 2022

    Absolutely on the plane and ready to start the first game!
    Reality though is that GS is manager and will find a reason not to pick him as he will claim others have been 'Loyal'.
    This will result in an early return from the WC for England just because GS is stubborn and wants to do it his way despite so many not playing or out of form
    New Manager required in the new year - Pep are you interested?

    • Reply posted by Its NOT Coming Home, at 00:31 4 Oct 2022

      Its NOT Coming Home replied:
      I’m loyal to Southgate, last few games have been great, Hungary at Wembley was a personal favourite. Pep ha, why would he be interested, he won’t be going to a ready made team full of the best players in the world.

  • Comment posted by Jay Bee, at 00:09 4 Oct 2022

    Southgate has very limited vision. No chance of winning with him in charge.

    • Reply posted by Its NOT Coming Home, at 00:28 4 Oct 2022

      Its NOT Coming Home replied:
      Which is why we want to keep him in charge please

  • Comment posted by spart, at 00:13 4 Oct 2022

    He scores goals and creates chances, no chance of southgate pixking him

  • Comment posted by Huggie, at 00:20 4 Oct 2022

    I'd fancy him as a centre back over Maguire

    • Reply posted by TheNightmanCometh, at 01:25 4 Oct 2022

      TheNightmanCometh replied:
      That's a very funny and original joke, congrats.

  • Comment posted by This name is awaiting moderation, at 01:16 4 Oct 2022

    Maddison probably wouldn't fit into Southgate's cunning schemes against the opposition and could cause a right ricket in the game plan,just go sideways& pass backwards,"don't you dare go upfield to attack,your part of the job description is to bore the pants off everyone by being dull&insipid "..

  • Comment posted by Stevie23, at 00:34 4 Oct 2022

    If he goes he'll just be going for a holiday. Southgate won't pick him ahead of other midfielders who have done very little for England and expect him to play 7-2-1 with 3 centre backs, 2 defensive mids and 2 full backs like he usually does in major tournaments. Be good to see Maddison getting a chance but it just ain't gonna happen.

    • Reply posted by Thumbs up from Garnacho, at 05:24 4 Oct 2022

      Thumbs up from Garnacho replied:
      Hopefully he does what he "usually" does and England get to a Final four again, anything can happen after that right?

  • Comment posted by peleid, at 02:58 4 Oct 2022

    The sooner Southgate goes the better

    • Reply posted by wolf359, at 11:49 4 Oct 2022

      wolf359 replied:
      Who will you replace him with?

  • Comment posted by VillaSteve, at 00:20 4 Oct 2022

    Has to be ahead of JWP for a world cup place, equally good at free kicks and has more flair, he'd be in my squad (probably not in Southgate's though).

    • Reply posted by Alex walker, at 01:34 4 Oct 2022

      Alex walker replied:
      JWP has been incredible last 2 years. I'd take both over an injury ridden Phillips and an out of sorts Henderson but we all know he's going to take 9 million defenders, 3 midfielders, 4 million wingers who won't play and of course Kane.

  • Comment posted by OKTC, at 03:23 4 Oct 2022

    James, you're best off out of it son ( the England set up ), Southgate will drain any skill, personality etc, out of you anyway.

  • Comment posted by User0639987599, at 02:01 4 Oct 2022

    People rubbishing Maddison are clueless.

    • Reply posted by Wizzowise, at 08:55 4 Oct 2022

      Wizzowise replied:
      Yeah, unfortunately that includes Southgate!

Elsewhere on the BBC

Also in Sport