Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has been axed by England ahead of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate named a 33-man training squad for two international friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.
James Maddison was included and the Tottenham playmaker came off the bench as England recorded a 3-0 win over Bosnia this week.
But it seems as though that wasn’t enough to convince Southgate to keep him on board, and instead, he will be watching Euro 2024 from afar.
The 27-year-old secured a move to Hotspur Way last summer following Leicester City’s relegation and there were huge expectations and excitement around his signing.
The FA Cup winner started like a house on fire because he had five goals and three assists from his first ten Premier League matches, but then injury hit.
That was acknowledged by Maddison when he reacted to his axe on Instagram by telling his followers ‘If I am honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I have set which gave Gareth a decision to make’.
In the comments section of Maddison’s IG post, Harry Maguire sent heart emojis to his teammate, whilst Jude Bellingham sent a sad-faced emoji.
Danny Drinkwater added by telling the player: ‘Been there mate. Head up and enjoy the summer. Smash it again next season’.
How James Maddison reacted to England axe ahead of Euro 2024
“Devastated doesn’t quite cut it,” wrote a dejected Maddison. “Trained well and worked hard all week, but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set which gave Gareth a decision to make.
“I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26-man squad as I feel I bring something different & had been a mainstay in this whole qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany, but the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that.
“I’ll be back, I have no doubt. Wishing the boys all the luck in the world out in Germany, an unbelievable group and lads that I literally call some of my best friends. I genuinely hope football comes home.”
Big boost for Tottenham Hotspur
Yes, Spurs fans will be devastated for Maddison, but this is a blessing in disguise for them and it could work wonders for next season.
Ange Postecoglou is looking to take Spurs to the next level, for that to happen, he needs Maddison at his very best, hungry to perform and with fire in his belly.
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You can bet your bottom dollar that this is going to seriously stoke Maddison up for the new campaign and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he started like a house on fire.
But from Spurs’ perspective, at least that is another player rested up for next season because the club’s return to Europe will take its toll on them.
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