James Maddison and Jack Grealish ‘got in each other’s way’ as England beat Australia 1-0 on Friday night as the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was ‘struggling’ at Wembley.
That is the opinion of BBC pundit, Paul Robinson, who feels Maddison did not play to the 26-year-old’s usual standards. His frequent desire to move into a wide area also meant Grealish would not thrive throughout the friendly. Maddison’s night ultimately ended on 73 minutes.
Gareth Southgate afforded Maddison just the Tottenham star’s fourth start through five caps to date as England hosted Australia. The friendly also marked just his second appearance for the Three Lions in a central role. His other games, all during 2023, all come on the left wing.
England did not see the Maddison that Tottenham now relish
Maddison took over the chief architect role behind Ollie Watkins at Wembley, however, with Grealish starting on the left wing. The Manchester City maestro also created Watkins’ goal in the 57th minute. Yet Southgate hooked Grealish come the 61st to bring Marcus Rashford on.
England broke the deadlock for what proved to be the only goal when Watkins turned home Grealish’s effort. Trent Alexander-Arnold found the 28-year-old with a deep ball into the box before the 33-cap maestro looked to net. Watkins turned it home with the strike going wide.
Maddison nearly enjoyed an early chance to score for England as Connor Gallagher drilled a cross through Australia’s six-yard box. But the Chelsea midfielder’s ball narrowly missed the Tottenham star. Maddison also later merited an assist after freeing Watkins through on goal.
The £170k-a-week playmaker threaded a perfectly weighted pass through for Watkins. But it would go to waste when Mat Ryan forced the Aston Villa striker wide and his shot found the post. It would prove to be Maddison’s best contribution throughout the second half, though.
What has Robinson said about Maddison against Australia?
England did not see the Maddison that Tottenham have relished since his arrival in July from Leicester City. The Coventry-born creator has carved out two goals and five assists in eight Premier League games for Spurs. Two of his assists even came at Arsenal to take a 2-2 draw.
But Maddison did not show Southgate against Australia why the Tottenham star should start when the England boss picks his strongest line-up against Italy on Tuesday. The Three Lions host the Azzurri looking to seal a place at Euro 2024, so Southgate rotated his side on Friday.
Former England goalkeeper, Robinson, in particular, did not appreciate Maddison’s efforts at Wembley. He slammed the £40m ace against the Socceroos after hindering Grealish’s night.
“I think with James Maddison struggling, he’s drifting into Jack Grealish’s space,” Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “The two of them are getting in each other’s way.”
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