Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are pushing for Champions League football this term and if they are to reach that goal, then they need James Maddison singing and dancing like never before.
Given that Euro 2024 is around the corner, then the 27-year-old is going to have his own selfish targets in mind and that’s making Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Despite not getting picked for several years, James Maddison did make the cut for the Qatar World Cup, although, injuries ruined his chances of getting much game time.
But Jeff Stelling made it clear that the Spurs star is now an ‘absolute certainty’ to go to Germany in the summer because Gareth Southgate has been ‘won over by him now’, as he told talkSPORT (06/02/24 at 7:25 am).
Although, the talkSPORT host was shocked to learn that the Tottenham playmaker only has five England caps to his name, as he labelled that as ‘ludicrous’.
You would think, in these coming years and with James Maddison now at the peak of his powers, then those numbers will certainly increase.
Nevermind the quick-thinking midfielder earning his ticket for Euro 2024, there should be a debate about whether he starts in the summer.
One thing is for sure, Jeff Stelling is certainly a big fan of the player and suggested that he should have more England caps to his name.
James Madison’s England caps
“Well, he is a certainty,” said Stelling about Maddison getting picked for Euro 2024. “He is an absolute certainty. I think Gareth has been won over by him now.
“I tell you what, I can’t believe he is 27 and he has got five England caps. That is ludicrous. Ludicrous for a man of his ability. He is different. He is creative.
“I mean he is, to use a taboo phrase on this show, different gravy. He is definitely going.”
James Maddison under Ange Postecoglou and Gareth Southgate
The issue for Maddison is that, at club level, he is playing under Ange Postecoglou, who gives him freedom like no other.
He is freely allowed to express himself and play further up the field, with so many options around him and that then brings the best out of his creative talents.
The same can’t be said for when he is donning the England colours, even though he is playing alongside better players.
Plus, Maddison’s best position is playing behind the striker, not being shifted out wide, which Southgate has previously done.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
