Stephen Warnock has insisted that James Maddison needs to start as the number ten behind Harry Kane for the Euro qualifiers against Ukraine and Scotland.
Even though Maddison’s attacking output is up there with the best players in the Premier League over the last two to three years, the attacking midfielder has only been capped three times for England so far in his career.
The 26-year-old would be hoping that the high-profile switch he has made to Tottenham will improve his chances of getting more starts for Gareth Southgate’s men.
VALLETTA, MALTA – JUNE 16: Harry Kane and James Maddison of England arrive at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between Malta and England at Ta’ Qali Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Valletta, Malta. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The attacking midfielder has undoubtedly been one of the best English players on show during the first month of the new season, having been deservedly nominated for the Player of the Month award.
Warnock insisted that Maddison has done more than enough to start for the Three Lions and dismissed the suggestion that the Spurs star does not work hard enough as a ‘myth’.
The idea that Maddison doesn’t work hard is a myth
The former Aston Villa left-back told The Football Show on Sky Sports: “My big thing is that we get mixed messages from the manager (Gareth Southgate). So, the manager says, if you are performing in the league, your levels are high, then you are going to play and you will get opportunities.
“James Maddison has been outstanding so far this season. Deserves to start for England. But we know (Southgate) is loyal towards other players in Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire getting into the squad without getting minutes, so I am a little bit torn on what Gareth Southgate is going to do.
“Personally, I think he has to play behind Harry Kane. I think what you are asking Harry Kane to do is stay between the goalposts and do what he does best.
“You take away that burden of being the creator and the goalscorer. James Maddison’s vision is unbelievable. His positional sense of what is around him.
“I think there is a myth around him that he doesn’t work hard enough. You see under Postecoglou, he is working harder than most of the other players.
“Also that feeling of being a vice-captain to Son. We have seen him wear the captain’s armband already. He has matured so much during the last two or three years. He deserves to start.”
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I do not think there is a question about Maddison’s work rate or his ability to cover distance. However, the reality is that he is just not as good a presser as the likes of Mason Mount and Phil Foden are.
One could argue that he provides a lot more on the ball than the aforementioned players, which is why I believe he should start for England as the most advanced of the three midfielders alongside Rice and Bellingham.
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