James Maddison passionately discussing how much he wants to play for England has fans emotional ahead of Thursday’s World Cup squad announcement.
In fact, no other English midfielder has registered more goal contributions than Maddison since the start of last season.
The 25-year-old’s only appearance for England came in 2019 when he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a 7-0 win against Montenegro.
He assisted both goals in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton, which was likely his final chance to get back on Southgate’s radar.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Maddison said he’d like to get back into the squad and called playing for his country ‘the pinnacle’.
“It’s a tough one to talk about,” Maddison admitted. “I’ve got the mindset of working hard to try and get back in because playing for your country and representing England is obviously the pinnacle, you’ll have interviewed loads of the lads from the squad and stuff. Seeing the lads and the experiences they’ve had playing for their country, that’s what I want, what I’m greedy for, what I’m hungry for.
“I can only keep doing what I’m doing and try to catch the eye of the England manager by scoring and working hard. That’s stuff I have been doing and think I have been doing well. It’s up to him if he wants to pick me or not.”
England supporters have reacted to the interview, claiming it’ll be a disgrace if Maddison isn’t selected.
One person said: “He should be in the squad and arguably starting on merit. But even more so, we need as many of these personalities in the squad as possible. Brilliant interview.”
Another commented: “Why does this nearly have me in tears? He wants to play so badly.”
A third tweeted: “Criminal if Southgate doesn’t make room for him.”
While someone put: “He’s put so much work in and you can tell.”
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers believes Maddison is ‘right up there’ in regards to what’s required at a technical and tactical level.
Following victory over Everton, he declared: “He’s one of the best players in this league, never mind in England. There’s absolutely no question. We’re talking in this league which is full of world-class superstars. He is a superstar. What a player.”
Do you think James Maddison deserves to be in the England squad? Let us know in the comments.