Tottenham: ‘Frustrating’ James Maddison Euros prediction emerges after what happened on Tuesday
John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose believes that James Maddison will not start for England at the 2024 UEFA European Championships in Germany, despite his “fantastic” form.
Maddison was named on the bench for both of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium during the March international break.
He didn’t feature as England were beaten 1-0 at Wembley by Brazil on Saturday (23 March) and was handed just 20 minutes against Belgium in the 2-2 draw on Tuesday (26 March), assisting Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser.
Despite his contribution in the dying moments of that clash, Wenham believes that Maddison’s England chances don’t look good ahead of the Euros this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham, the founder of reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, said: “Maddison has just come back from an injury fairly recently, so I was hoping he would get some more game time for England, but it is clear that Southgate just isn’t a fan.
“It was a great assist for Bellingham’s goal, and I do think he will be on the plane to Germany, but I just don’t see him starting, which is a real shame.
“Southgate seems to have his players who he prefers, and despite Maddison’s fantastic form this season, especially before his injury, I still don’t think Southgate will start him.
“We saw during pre-season how Harry Kane and Maddison could work well together, and with Declan Rice and Bellingham behind them, I think that would be a top-level midfield.
“However, it appears that is not the direction Southgate wants to go in, which will be frustrating for Madison.”
James Maddison should be starting for England after his form with Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou
It is baffling that Southgate can watch Maddison play, and still decide to hand him just 20 minutes across two matches.
All Maddison needed was those 20 minutes to provide as much quality as any other England player did across those two friendlies, and if that isn’t enough to demonstrate to Southgate that he should be starting, the midfielder will be wondering what is.
He has consistently been overlooked by England, especially during his days at Leicester City.
And even now after he has moved to a side battling near the top of the Premier League, the same thing is continuing to happen.
As frustrating as it might be, Maddison just needs to channel that frustration and ensure he has a strong end to the season with Tottenham which leaves Southgate with no choice but to start him in Germany this summer.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou should have more faith in one 100 per cent Spurs star after what he did this week.
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