Ange Postecoglou is confident that James Maddison has the potential to become an integral part of the England squad. The Tottenham midfielder has demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of playing for a top club and Postecoglou believes this will benefit him on the international stage.
Despite playing for a struggling Leicester City team, Maddison has consistently delivered as one of the most productive playmakers in the Premier League. However, he has only managed to earn four England caps, which is a testament to the competition he faces from other talented attacking players.
This season, the 26-year-old has been exceptional and has undoubtedly been the standout player in the league. His outstanding performances have established him as an indispensable player for Tottenham, who currently sit at the top of the table.
Postecoglou revealed that one of the motivations behind Maddison’s move to Tottenham was to showcase his versatility to England manager Gareth Southgate. The Australian coach believes that Maddison possesses the ability to excel at the international level and sees no reason why he can’t become a vital part of the Three Lions squad.
National teams can be unpredictable, as club form doesn’t always guarantee success on the international stage. Many factors come into play, including circumstances, opportunities, competition within the team, playing time, and style of football. However, Postecoglou has full confidence in Maddison’s abilities, stating that he has no doubt about his potential to thrive at the international level.
Maddison’s move to Tottenham was a deliberate effort to demonstrate his multifaceted game, and Postecoglou believes he is successfully doing so. The hope is that his impressive performances at club level will translate into making a significant impact for England.
The question for Southgate now is how to accommodate both Maddison and Jude Bellingham in the midfield within a 4-3-3 formation. One option could be to adopt a back five, allowing both players the freedom to make forward runs into the penalty area.
