“Have been silent enough”: James Maddison finally breaks silence amid Southgate-England Saga and fires a three-word brutal message [Full story link in comment]
James Maddison may have got the game-levelling assist in England’s clash against Belgium but the Tottenham midfielder has revealed a grumpiness with his role with the Three Lions.
James Maddison has revealed his frustration at his current England role – admitting he’s “grumpy” with his lack of game time.
The Tottenham star only managed 20 minutes of action across the two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but he certainly made his presence known after teeing up Jude Bellingham for his last-minute equaliser in Tuesday’s (March 26) clash with the Red Devils.
The 27-year-old is one of several attacking midfielders in Gareth Southgate’s squad fighting for a place at Euro 2024 and has admitted his frustration at not getting enough opportunities to showcase his very obvious quality.
“I know the quality that I have — and that can help this team, most definitely,” he said. You’ve got to show it and you’ve also got to have the opportunity to show it. I didn’t feature in the first game, which was disappointing because I wanted to play in a big game at Wembley.
“Against Belgium, I came on and made an impact. I’m showing him what I’m capable of and I just want to show more of that.” Despite his annoyance at not being a regular starter for the Three Lions, Maddison said he’s learned to handle it better as he’s grown older.
“I’m very, very, very grumpy but once you accept the fact you’re on the bench,” the playmaker said. I’m experienced now, I’m 27. On the odd occasion when I was younger, I’d be sulking, I’d be moody, probably not go about it the right way as a teenage James Maddison.
“Now I’m older, I just assess the game and see where I can have an impact. Watching on the side, I could see there was quite a lot of space between the lines, where I like to play, so I was thinking, ‘Come on, Gareth . . . there’s a lot of space’. I knew I’d be able to have an impact.”
Maddison – who’s contributed to 12 goals and assists this season for Spurs – will hope to finally earn minutes at a major tournament for England after not featuring at the 2022 World Cup due to a lingering injury.
“That was a very difficult time, what people don’t see behind the curtain. I had an injury that I just couldn’t shake off. I got myself back training after the group stages but I wasn’t really right. I was so disappointed, because going to a major tournament with your country is the pinnacle and you want to impact. I’m hungry to get there now.”
