View: England must get more out of Tottenham star James Maddison
James Maddison has been on fire for Tottenham this season, and Gareth Southgate must look to utilise him more effectively for England.
Spurs’ new number 10 has made an incredible start to life in North London since signing from Leicester City in the summer. He has started all four of the club’s Premier League games, scoring twice, while also providing two assists.
His brilliant club form earned him a Three Lions call-up for the ongoing international break. However, although he started England’s UEFA 2024 European Championship qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday 9 September, he was wasted by being played out of position.
Southgate decided to use the 26-year-old midfielder as a left winger, despite him featuring as an advanced part of a midfield three for Ange Postecoglou in a Tottenham shirt so far this season. This was done to allow for a midfield three of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
Ultimately, Southgate’s team selection proved ineffective as the Three Lions were only able to pick up a point after drawing 1-1 with Ukraine in Poland. Nonetheless, despite not lining up in his preferred role, Maddison still put in a solid shift out wide.
He completed 93 per cent of his passes, with one of those being key, and had 40 touches of the ball. In addition to this, he provided one accurate cross into the box, and two accurate long balls forward. He also chipped in defensively, winning three of his five ground duels and making a tackle, while also drawing two fouls for his country (Sofascore).
With Southgate’s men in action once again, this time in a friendly against Scotland on Tuesday 12 September, Maddison deserves to be given a chance in the middle of the park, playing in his natural position.
Henderson was not good enough against Ukraine, as he won just one of his four ground duels and made zero tackles or interceptions, while also failing with his only attempted dribble. Maddison will offer more youth and creativity and could form an exciting long-term midfield partnership with Bellingham and Rice, which could benefit the nation for years to come.
Now is the time to experiment with the team and give him that opportunity to shine.
In other Tottenham news, one other star at the club did shine on international duty while playing out wide.