James Maddison didn’t know why he was omitted from England squad

Leicester City playmaker James Maddison has revealed he didn’t know why he was omitted from the recent England squad. And also names his footballing idol.

Gareth Southgate’s current England system doesn’t employ a No.10 style player behind the solo striker. No. Much like Brendan Rodgers’ contemporary structure where there are two mobile ball players behind Jamie Vardy, they are: Youri Tielemans as well as James Maddison.

Three Lions boss Southgate likes to use Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard in a pair for the positions. Although, both are injury prone and Manchester United’s Lingard is completely lacking the form the duo both exhibited at the World Cup in 2018. While Alli generally carried those displays into the Premier League this campaign.

Southgate certainty had a point with regard to contrasting functions, but Maddison does now play in a deeper position for the Foxes. Though he, and the exquisitely talented Tielemans retain their assisting and goalscoring capacity.

Highly rated youthful players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley are elevating their status’, and will be rivaling Leicester’s free-kick expert for a place in the setup; see Sky Sports‘ analysis of the two emphatic victories in question. Whilst many England supporters thought the quality shown by Maddison was enough to he involved in training at least.

In an upcoming interview with FourFourTwo, the former Norwich man tells how he ignores the media so didn’t know the reason he was axed by the senior international outfit:

"“I didn’t know he said that, as I don’t read the papers.“But we had chats when I was with the senior squad – he’s a really nice guy and a very good coach, who I have so much respect for because he’s done a brilliant job.“Obviously I’m a No.8 right now, so we’ll just see how it goes. It was an amazing experience and has always been a dream for me.”– James Maddison"

However, there is no suggestion Southgate mistreated the midfielder or has to particularly explain himself. Especially being as excellently the former England player has done at the helm himself giving credence his philosophies.

Yet it is polite, not to mention encouraging for Maddison, that his national gaffer spoke with him in previous sessions. Most noteworthy is that he descended to the Under-21s without complaint. Character.

Here the playmaker also reveals his football hero, and the set-piece style he emulates most:

"“I used to watch David Beckham when I was younger, and we all know how good he was from dead-ball situations, so I’ve just always practised. I’ve always loved taking free-kicks and put a lot of work into them.”– James MaddisonVia FourFourTwo"

The whip generated by Maddison is testament to the manner of technique exhibited by ex-Three Lions captain David Beckham.

Maddison only yesterday congratulated Beckham on his birthday through social media.

More from Foxes of Leicester

• Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
• Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester City: 3 Foxes positives and negatives
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester: 3 things learned
• Predicted Leicester City starting XI vs Southampton

This season Maddison made his name in the Premier League so to speak. Not many have arrived directly from the Championship and made half of the impact the once Coventry City player made. He will surely be an England regular for years to come.

Manchester City entertain Leicester City on Monday in a vital match for the Citizens in their quest for another premiership title-winning term.