England head coach Gareth Southgate believes that James Maddison selection in the World Cup squad is solely based on his form during his three-year absence. Nearly three years to the day after making his one and only appearance for the Three Lions in their last Euro 2020 qualifying match, Maddison was a surprise addition to Southgate’s 26-man team to fly to Qatar next week. After being pictured in a casino just days after withdrawing from a previous England squad due to illness, which was the reason for his banishment from the international stage ever since he received his one and only cap a month later. Callum Wilson was one of the World Cup team members who Southgate stated he had not spoken to; instead, he had concentrated on those who had been denied a seat on the flight to Qatar. Maddison was one of the few World Cup team members Southgate had personally spoken to.
“James and I did have a conversation because it was widely believed that he wouldn’t be joining us. Although we had decided a few weeks prior that he would, we hadn’t planned on telling him at the time,” England head coach Gareth Southgate said about James Maddison. “He was overjoyed. I had received several calls that were really emotional, so it was wonderful to treat myself to a pleasant end to that. I’m looking forward to attending my fourth World Cup; it will be a joy and an honour. The joyful and challenging calls alike served as a reminder of how much it means to the players.”
Harry Maguire was selected for the England team despite being out of favour at Manchester United and having only started one league game since their 4-0 thrashing at Brentford in August. Despite this, the Three Lions mainstay is still expected to start at the centre of Southgate’s defence against Iran on November 21. The England boss defended the centre-back when his status was questioned.
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