Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has a return to the England national team in his sights and believes his Erling Haaland-esque sharpness gives him an edge.
Despite his huge talent, Maddison still has just seven senior England caps to his name, only four of which have come from the start.
The 27-year-old was named to the provisional England squad for Euro 2024, but didn’t make the final cut as the Three Lions went all the way to the final before losing 2-1 to Spain.
However, the summer break seems to have served Maddison well, with the playmaker notching a goal and two assists in six Premier League appearances so far this season. He’s also first among Spurs players for progressive passes (49) and successful dribbles (10), and second for chances created (13) and passes into the final third (34).
James Maddison speaks out on England chances
Maddison has likened his summer recharge to that of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, whose Norway missed out on Euro 2024.
Haaland has returned to club action with 11 goals in nine appearances across all competitions this season, including 10 goals in six Premier League outings.
Maddison hopes his added sharpness will convince Lee Carsley that he deserves a call-up.
“I want to be in the England squad, every player does. I know Lee Carsley well,” Maddison said at a press conference on Wednesday (via Football.London).
“I feel really fit, maybe the fittest I’ve ever been. I had the summer off and it’s been said about Erling Haaland and how sharp he’s come back feeling, and I feel confident and alive. I can only take care of what I do at a club level.”
Maddison added: “I always want to prove doubters wrong and that’s where I get my hunger from. I want to do the best I can for Tottenham Hotspur.”
England’s next fixtures come at home to Greece and away at Finland in the Uefa Nations League, with Carsley set to announce his squad at 2pm (UK time) on Thursday.
