Rio Ferdinand explains why Southgate’s England ignore James Maddison
Manchester United legend and former England defender Rio Ferdinand thinks he knows why Leicester City star James Maddison is snubbed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
First of all, let’s not beat around the bush: Maddison should have been in the England squad for around a year or so. The former Norwich City man has matured a lot over that period, whilst proving himself a valuable team member for many reasons. In fact, his already impressive output has actually increased. He might still make the odd miscalculated or silly move during games, but his positives far outweigh the negatives.
To have one of the more talented players of this generation of Englishmen not involved in the national setup, even as a backup or understudy, is absolutely footballing sacrilege. I understand Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s view, presumably arising from the ignorant casino trip made by the attacking midfielder a couple of years ago or longer while supposedly ill, if that was the actual scenario.
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Yet the athlete has improved in all departments since then, become a father and really settled down, it seems. Maddison invariably deserved a further chance by now in friendlies, to be reassessed by Southgate and the England faithful, if nothing else. Though that opportunity never occurred – rather unfairly in Foxes of Leicester’s opinion.
Ex-Man United defender Ferdinand offered his verdict as to why the quality playmaker might not be in the gaffer’s World Cup plans. Basically Ferdinand suggests other superb options in and around the 25-year-old’s position such as Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling are undroppable. Ferdinand said this in spite of Maddison being able to play in a multitude of forward-thinking roles and central midfield.
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Nevertheless, the current pundit has a valid point – aside from Sterling’s inclusion, at present. FoL feel that Southgate merely doesn’t think Maddison suits his roster for whatever reason, possibly maturity, as we explained. Irrespective of this, other temperamental footballers are involved with England. And there are examples of former mavericks; Paul Gascoigne being a prime example of flourishing when allowed back into the fold. Keep at it, ‘Madders’.