Theo Walcott has stated that he is a ‘big fan’ of Tottenham Hotspur target James Maddison and he is ‘pleased’ he is at the 2022 World Cup with England, as he told talkSPORT.
The Southampton winger, who went to the 2006 World Cup when he was just a teenager, shared that he would start Maddison for England’s opener against Iran on Monday with Harry Kane.
The Three Lions captain is a sure starter in Doha, it’s just a case of who joins the 29-year-old in the searing heat of the Middle East.
There aren’t many English players, whether it be defenders or attackers, who are hitting the purple patch like Maddison, so will that persuade Southgate to start the Leicester City player?
Well, Walcott certainly thinks he should be in the XI that will kick off England’s World Cup campaign in four days time.
“I would play Maddison in-behind Kane,” said Walcott. “I am a big fan of him. I am so pleased that he is gone.”
MADDISON GATHERING INTEREST
There is huge transfer interest in Maddison and it shouldn’t really be a surprise given that he can’t stop scoring on the domestic stage.
After scoring 12 goals and supplying eight assists in the Premier League last season, the 25-year-old already has seven goals and four assists to his name from 13 matches.
That type of form could see him head to a team in Europe next season, with Tottenham and Newcastle both looking at the £60 million-rated midfielder.
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