England’s Gareth Southgate eyes James Maddison

Leicester City’s James Maddison was supposed to train with the senior England squad before the Russia World Cup.

James Maddison acclimatised at his new club with seeming ease. His transition to Premier League standards of play will be more difficult than social bonding. Yet, on a tough debut against Manchester United he shined. Almost scoring a great goal at Old Trafford and his key involvement is a solid indication of his quality. Watch this space for a new English star. And not just in the premiership; potentially at senior international level as well.

Injury denied Leicester City player Maddison a role in the most significant England set-up for nearly 30 years. At the time he was at Norwich and had suffered a knee ligament injury during the Championship conclusion.

Now, new information comes thanks to Telegraph’s consistently informative John Percy:

"“Interesting bit of detail in this: James Maddison was in line to train with the England senior squad before the World Cup, only to suffer a knee injury in his last game for Norwich. A player to watch…” (Via: Twitter)"

In his article, entitled: ‘Exclusive interview: Meet James Maddison, Leicester’s £25m midfielder who has already caught the eye of Gareth Southgate’, Percy has a candid conversation with James Maddison.

Areas of his career covered by the Telegraph are, in Maddison’s own words: no one knowing who he was apart from Coventry and Aberdeen fans. Scotland toughening him up. Ignoring friends’ calls to go partying and keeping a steady head.

Brother Garry’s YouTube account, ‘gazmaddy’, dedicated to his footballing sibling. Focus on the pitch by ignoring his £21m-£25m price tag. Along with naming his best mates at the club: fellow Three Lions U21 alumni Demarai Gray and Ben Chilwell.

Finally, his “great” season at Norwich – which really was – It is plain to see how Southgate became interested. In addition, the 21-year-old talks about the feeling of being an ever-present – despite his young age.

Desperation to be a success at Leicester City – he will be. Not to mention fulfilling his boyhood dream of playing in the “best league in the world”. However, besides the future, it was of course his involvement in 23 goals for the Canaries last campaign which aroused England manager Gareth Southgate’s curiosity.

The England U21 man wants to secure his place and feet at the King Power initially, subsequently he eyes a full England role. This will come, in time. Most noteworthy is Percy’s revelation that Southgate was to call Maddison up to train with the seniors in May. Hopefully the Fox will get that chance once again.

Speaking on the subject, Maddison says:

"“Gareth’s not afraid to throw young players in, look at the average age of the squad now. You can’t rule it out, I’ve set myself short-term targets and that would be the aim."

"“I think it is a real positive that Gareth has brought the seniors and under-21s closer together.There’s no separation and it’s all integrated. It’s a good time to be an under-21s player.” – James Maddison (Via: Telegraph)"

Premiership all time top scorer Alan Shearer is impressed with the No.10.

On the inevitable comparisons with the Midlands-departed, equally skilful Riyad Mahrez; the young Fox was emphatic: “I’m a different player… I’m a No.10 and played there for the majority of last season at Norwich in a 4-2-3-1. I also played central midfield for a spell as well. I don’t think you can make comparisons [with Mahrez] and I’ve got to bring my own strengths to the team.”

Percy names Maddison as “arguably the best player in the Championship behind Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.” Which is easy to agree with. If he reaches the top 20 performers’ list in the top league by May – Leicester City will be extraordinarily pleased. The two players meet on Saturday as the Foxes welcome Wolves – expect both being heavily involved in proceedings.

"“Wolves will be a tough game” – James Maddison (Via: Telegraph)"