Why Leicester City star James Maddison should be in England squad

Besides statistics and performances there are other reasons Leicester City playmaker James Maddison should have been included in England’s Nations League squad.

If you type in ‘James Maddison’ on Twitter’s search section, you’ll find much sentiment arguing for the Leicester City playmaker’s inclusion over Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard in England’s Nations League squad. Foxes of Leicester fully backs this assertion, not to mention being able to explain why.

Additionally many tweets explained that they would prefer to see Maddison over Manchester City’s Fabian Delph. Not to mention social media users questioning the selection of United’s Marcus Rashford and Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier and Dele Alli. While Dier doesn’t occupy the same position, Alli does and the duo share questionable form.

Initially in March, Gareth Southgate confirmed the Fox’s senior team absence despite thoroughly impressing in the Premier League. The Three Lions boss stated that his side do not employ a ‘No.10’ in his system. This is an accurate and fair enough assessment.

Although ‘Madders’ has been employed as a duel attacking midfielder since the arrival of Youri Tielemans, to quite spectacular returns. To the extent that the aforementioned top six premiership outfits are reportedly interested in the former Leicester City loanee and his teammate. Versatility is also prevalent for Maddison, as he is regularly used in a roaming left-wing capacity.

Those factors, along with the fact that Alli and Lingard – who were an impressive pairing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia – are not at their best, though Maddison is lead us to decide there is inconsistency.

The stats

Premierleague.com informs us that Leicester’s No.10 was directly involved in 14 goals in 36 matches for the East Midlands club in England’s top division. This output is as good as any rivals’ for an England place in the specified position.

Maddison has even eclipsed possibly football’s greatest ever player, Lionel Messi, with regard to chances created this campaign.

More ‘peng’ statistics.

Above, Squawka outline the particularly outstanding input made by Maddison this season.

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Mirror Sport recently suggested:

"Southgate will resist calling up James Maddison and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the Under-21s for fear of disrupting that squad’s preparations for their European Championship finals starting later in June"

If the Mirror is correct, and without belittling Aidy Boothroyd and the England Under-21s: if a player is ready for the main national team, no youth tournament is remotely as prestigious. It matters not in comparison, to be frank. What the development system does is prepare players for the preeminent level – Maddison is ready for promotion!

Of course it would be great for the Young Lions to triumph in Italy in June regardless.

Leicester Mercury opine that this manoeuvre by the national gaffer shows his valuing of Maddison. Whilst we at Foxes of Leicester deem the snub to represent Southgate not considering the Foxes midfielder ready.